External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol in Paris on Monday, engaging in discussions on global energy dynamics, oil markets, nuclear power, and critical minerals. The meeting forms part of Jaishankar’s six-day official visit to France and Luxembourg, during which he is expected to interact with senior leadership in both countries.

Jaishankar described the discussions with Birol as productive, posting on X: “Pleased to meet Executive Director @IEA @fbirol this morning. Appreciate his assessment of the global energy scenario and his support for India’s growth and development.” In response, Birol expressed similar sentiments, noting he was “delighted” to meet the Indian minister and calling the talks “warm and productive.”

The conversation focused on pressing global energy issues, including fluctuations in oil markets, the strategic role of nuclear power, and critical minerals essential for clean energy transitions. Jaishankar and Birol also discussed India’s efforts and commitment to joining the IEA as a full member, which would enhance collaboration on energy security and sustainability.

In addition to his engagement with the IEA, Jaishankar participated in a session with young professionals under the French-Indian Young Talents Program organized by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Franco-Indienne. During this interaction, he highlighted the ongoing transformations in the global landscape and emphasized the importance of deepening India-France cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities.

The External Affairs Ministry (MEA) confirmed that during his stay in Paris, Jaishankar will also meet French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and other senior officials. The discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations, trade, investment, and strategic partnerships in energy, technology, and climate action.

Following his visit to France, Jaishankar will travel to Luxembourg, where he is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and other top officials. These engagements are part of India’s broader diplomatic efforts in Europe to strengthen ties with key partners, explore investment and technology collaborations, and coordinate on global energy and climate initiatives.

The visit underscores India’s commitment to active engagement with multilateral institutions like the IEA and highlights the country’s growing role in global energy governance. Jaishankar’s meetings are also aimed at promoting innovation, youth collaboration, and sustainable economic partnerships between India and European nations.

By engaging with both institutional leaders like Birol and young talent forums, Jaishankar is advancing a multi-pronged approach that combines strategic dialogue on policy and energy issues with outreach to future leaders shaping bilateral and global cooperation.

The talks come at a time when global energy markets are navigating volatility due to geopolitical tensions, the transition to cleaner energy sources, and shifts in supply-demand dynamics. India’s energy security, nuclear capacity expansion, and strategic access to critical minerals remain central to its economic and development priorities.

Through such high-level interactions, India aims to strengthen its position in international energy forums, attract investments, and leverage partnerships for sustainable growth, while also emphasizing collaboration with European partners on research, technology transfer, and climate resilience initiatives.

Jaishankar’s engagements in Paris and Luxembourg are expected to reinforce India’s diplomatic and economic outreach in Europe, signaling both continuity and deepening of India’s global strategic partnerships in the energy sector and beyond.