Gerard Larcher, the Chairman of the French Senate, along with a delegation of five senators, is visiting India on February 19 and 20, 2024, as announced by the French Embassy in India.
The purpose of the visit is to bolster bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation between France and India.
Accompanying Larcher are five senators who are part of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee or the France-India Friendship Group. This signifies the initial official trip to India by the head of the French Senate, the upper chamber of France’s legislature.
During the visit, Larcher and his delegation are scheduled to meet with Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the French Senate and India’s Parliament, possibly through a dedicated agreement. Larcher will also receive a guided tour of the new Parliament building.
Additionally, Larcher will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, building upon their previous interaction during the Prime Minister’s visit to Paris in July 2023, when he was hosted by Larcher and leaders of major parliamentary groups.
The agenda also includes a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the evolving bilateral relations and gain insights into India’s expanding geopolitical role.
Larcher will visit sites of companies significantly contributing to India’s initiatives like “Make in India” and “Skill India,” and engage with business leaders from French companies operating in India, particularly in aerospace and defense sectors.
The French Senate, comprising 358 members elected through indirect universal suffrage, plays a crucial legislative role, voting on laws initiated by the government or parliament.
As the Chairman of the Senate, Larcher plays a vital role in maintaining institutional stability and is positioned to assume the presidency in the event of a vacancy. Gerard Larcher has been serving as Chairman since October 2014, having previously held the position from 2008 to 2011.
