ABBAYE DES VAUX-DE-CERNAY, FRANCE — External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in France today, March 26, 2026, for a critical two-day G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Invited as a key partner by the current G7 chair, France, India’s participation comes at a moment of extreme geopolitical volatility, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade threatening to trigger a global economic depression.
The Agenda: Crisis Management & Global Stability
While the G7 consists of the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, this session includes “outreach” partners: India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Ukraine.
1. The West Asia Chokepoint The primary focus is the US-Israel-Iran war. Ministers are reportedly discussing a coordinated international maritime task force to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
- The Indian Stance: Dr. Jaishankar is expected to reiterate that India is not a “go-between” country but a “stabilizing power,” focusing on the safety of the 2.44 lakh Indian nationals who have already been evacuated from the region since February 28.
2. Ukraine’s Reconstruction With the war in Ukraine entering a new phase, the G7 is pushing for a concrete roadmap for reconstruction. Ukrainian representatives are present to discuss long-term regional stability and the integration of global supply chains that bypass conflict zones.
3. Maritime Security & Governance France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has emphasized that this meeting serves as the final “preparatory step” for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Evian (scheduled for June 13–15, 2026). Discussions will cover:
- Reforming global governance structures to be “more effective and inclusive.”
- Securing the “Indo-Pacific” corridors amidst the distractions in the Middle East.
Bilateral “Sideline” Diplomacy
Dr. Jaishankar is scheduled for several “pull-aside” meetings, which often carry more weight than the formal sessions:
- Meeting with Jean-Noël Barrot (France): To discuss the Scorpène-class submarine deal and deepening space cooperation.
- Meeting with the US Secretary of State: Likely to address President Trump’s recent calls for G7 nations to send warships to the Gulf—a request that many partners, including India, have so far approached with extreme caution to maintain neutrality.
Key Context: The Evacuation Effort
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed today that the massive “Operation Sangam” has successfully brought home nearly 2.44 lakh Indians from West Asia since the conflict erupted. This remains one of the largest non-combatant evacuation operations in history, and Jaishankar is expected to brief his counterparts on the logistical challenges involved.
