India, France discuss critical minerals, investment, and economic cooperation
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India and France have identified critical minerals, economic security, cross-investments, and high-speed rail as priority areas for deeper cooperation during the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue held in Aix-en-Provence.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and France's Economy Minister Roland Lescure co-chaired the dialogue, marking the resumption of high-level economic engagements under the India-France strategic partnership.
According to an official statement, the two sides discussed cooperation on critical minerals as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic sovereignty and security. They also explored ways to increase cross-border investments, expand collaboration in the high-speed rail sector following the recent declaration of intent on railways, and deepen financial sector cooperation.
The ministers exchanged views on the global economic outlook and discussed closer coordination in multilateral forums, including the G20 and the Paris Club, in the context of India's association with France's G7 Presidency.
They also acknowledged the contribution of the French Development Agency to India's economic development and welcomed opportunities for future collaborative projects.
The Finance Ministry said the dialogue fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during Macron's visit to India in February 2026 to convene the Economic and Financial Dialogue this year.
"The Ministers have pledged to use the Economic and Financial Dialogue as the main platform for addressing economic, financial, technological, investment and trade matters between India and France," the ministry said.
Both countries also agreed to explore holding the next edition of the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue in 2027.