Finance
India hailed France’s decision on Thursday to implement visa-free transit for Indian nationals passing through French airports, describing it as a step that will facilitate travel and improve people-to-people contacts.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the removal of the transit requirement was agreed upon during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai in February of this year.
He stated that the decision highlights the growing India-France partnership, which was raised to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during Macron’s visit.
“We welcome the announcement on the operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports. As you may recall, the removal of the requirement of transit visas for Indian passport holders was agreed upon between the Prime Minister and President Macron during their meeting in Mumbai in February this year. The Government of France has now operationalised this agreement, and Indian nationals transiting through mainland France exclusively by air will no longer need a transit visa with effect from 10th April 2026,” Jaiswal stated.
“The decision reflects the enduring partnership between India and France, elevated to the level of a special global strategic partnership during the recent visit of President Macron, and further facilitation of smoother movement of people and enhanced people-to-people ties,” he added.
In February, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron formally elevated the India-France relationship to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’, a historic action that marked a “turning point” in bilateral relations.
The statement was made during high-level talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to the country’s financial center.
The leaders outlined an ambitious strategy for defense, technology, and health, reinforcing their commitment to the Horizon 2047 goal, according to a government announcement.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Paris.
According to the MEA, the discussions covered a wide range of topics, including defense, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital cooperation, AI innovation, and initiatives aimed at strengthening human and cultural ties in light of recent global and regional developments.
Source: IANS
