India and France have decided to draw a blueprint for closer collaboration between the Indian and French navies to keep the Indian Ocean sea lanes safe.
The decision was taken during the fifth session of the Indo-French maritime cooperation dialogue in Paris.
ANI is reporting that in the discussions held in Paris, the two countries will build on the relationship through "frequent exchanges and the expansion of fleets' connections, while underlining the Indo-Pacific region's common commitment".
There is a broader context to the meeting led by Pankaj Saran, India's Deputy National Security Adviser, and M Marcel Escure, France's Ambassador for Regional Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Zone.
France is looking at new security partners, especially India, in the Indo-Pacific region after the Australia, UK and the United States formed a new security alliance which excluded Paris.
Pragya Pandey, Fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), writes in an article that with major changes happening in the world order, France is re-looking at the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing its maritime partnership with India–a key player in the region.
The Indo-French special relationship, for geographical reasons could be primarily confined to the Indian Ocean region, including the East Coast of Africa. France already has a naval base in the Reunion Islands –not far from Madagascar. It also has a naval facility at Mayotte.
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In tune with the rapid changes in the Indo-Pacific region, the French embassy in New Delhi said: "Building on the regular discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indo-French dialogue on maritime cooperation helps strengthen the strategic partnership between France and India".
During his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month the French President had said that Paris was ready to open the floodgates of its world class technology to India. A statement from Macron’s office said that Paris was ready to strengthen India’s “industry and technology base, as part of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect".
He also signalled that France could become the vanguard of a special security relationship between India and Europe.
Unsurprisingly, the two nations have been engaging with each other on many bilateral and global fora. They held discussions at G-20 meet in the UK earlier this year to strengthen mutual ties. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was in India recently to discuss regional and global situations arising out of a pandemic-afflicted world.
The two countries have been cooperating on many fronts including defence and security affairs, trade and investments as well as climate change. France has been helping India design its submarines besides selling the Rafale fighter jets. The two recently held navy exercises—Varuna and the La Perouse.
India and France are also cooperating on regional forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
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