With an aim to actively enhance the defence cooperation, India and France concluded its 20th edition of Joint Talks. The high-level talks were held in Paris, France on April 12-13, 2022.
The two-day talks focused on new initiatives that fall within the umbrella of the existing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening of ongoing defence engagements between both the countries.
“The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm and cordial atmosphere. The discussion focused on new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism and strengthening ongoing defence engagements,” the statement released by the Ministry of Defence reads.
With an aim to improve defence cooperation between the two countries both at strategic and operational level, the India-France Joint Staff forum was launched.
According to the Defence Ministry release, the meeting was co-chaired by Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff, Int-C (Military Cooperation), Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) Air Vice Marshal B Manikantan and Head of Bilateral Cooperation South/Staff HQ Brigadier General Eric Peltier.
It is pertinent to note that the area of defence & security cooperation constitutes one of the principal pillars of India-France Strategic Partnership.
India- France adopt roadmap on the blue economy and ocean governance
The 20th edition of India-France Joint talks came amidst, both nations have inked a roadmap to enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy and forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law and cooperate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure. The agreement was signed during External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s three-day visit to France with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.
For sustainable use of marine resources, the Sides will work towards ocean governance, including through coordination in relevant international bodies. Blue Economy and coastal resilience are a common priority for India and France. In this regard, both sides agreed to explore the potential for collaboration in marine science research for a better understanding of oceans, including the Indian Ocean.
