Goyal: France and India’s Natural Partnership and Friendship to be Further Strengthened

India’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Piyush Goyal, expressed optimism that the relationship between India and France will continue to flourish and become stronger in the coming years. During his official visit to France and Italy from April 11 to April 13, Goyal stated that there are endless possibilities for India-France relations, as both countries are natural partners. He also noted that strategic and defense partnerships between the two nations will be further developed, along with investment and cooperation in tourism, information technology, trade, and people-to-people ties. Goyal also highlighted the potential for French investment in India’s textile, food, handloom, handicraft, information technology, infrastructure, architecture, and designing sectors. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of student exchanges in promoting trade and investment growth and cultural understanding between the two nations. The National Education Programme will also provide opportunities for Indian and French educational institutions to develop dual degrees and cultural and student exchanges. Finally, Goyal noted that India-France bilateral trade stood at USD 12.42 billion in 2021-22, with India having a trade surplus over France.