Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Embarks on Official Visit to France
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman began an official four-day visit to France on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, aimed at deepening the India-France Strategic Partnership and enhancing economic cooperation. The visit includes high-level bilateral engagements focused on promoting investment, technology collaboration, and innovation, according to an official release.
Key Engagement: India-France Economic & Financial Dialogue
A central event of the visit is the India-France Economic & Financial Dialogue (EFD), co-chaired by Sitharaman and Roland Lescure, France's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, in Aix-en-Provence. The dialogue will explore potential areas for greater bilateral cooperation across various sectors and further strengthen economic relations between the two nations.
Meetings with Global CEOs and Business Leaders
During her stay, Sitharaman will hold one-on-one meetings with select global CEOs and participate in a roundtable interaction with leading business executives. The discussions aim to showcase India's robust macroeconomic fundamentals, ongoing structural reforms, expanding investment opportunities, and long-term growth prospects, the release stated.
Participation in Les Rencontres Économiques d'Aix-en-Provence
Sitharaman will join a panel discussion on 'How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class' at the Les Rencontres Économiques d'Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe's premier annual forums for dialogue on global economic and public policy issues. Organized by Le Cercle des économistes, the forum convenes heads of government, ministers, central bankers, business leaders, economists, academics, and representatives of international organizations to deliberate on contemporary economic challenges.
Visit to ITER Project and Campus Cyber
The Finance Minister will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at Cadarache, one of the world's largest international scientific collaborations on nuclear fusion energy, involving over 30 partner countries including India and France. She will also tour Campus Cyber, France's national hub for cybersecurity innovation, research, skill development, and collaboration among government, industry, and academia. This visit is expected to facilitate exchange of experiences and best practices in strengthening cyber resilience and fostering innovation in the digital economy.
Meeting with Regional President and Diaspora Event
Sitharaman will meet Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Region, to discuss avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including investment, innovation, clean energy, technology, and regional economic partnerships. She will conclude her official visit with a community event with members of the Indian diaspora.
