In continuing engagement, India and France held talks on Thursday over disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, chemical and biological weapons as well as security of outer space.

In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the bilateral discussions took place in Paris.

Just a day earlier the two allies had held discussions over bolstering counter-terror mechanisms at the international fora. They had discussed the likely threats emanating from a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as well as UN proscribed terror organisations like the LeT and the JeM.

Currently, the two nations are holding joint exercises on anti-terror operations in the French port town of Frejus. The 12-day long bilateral Army exercise focuses on physical fitness, sharing of drills and learning best practices from each other.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry said: "Exercise Shakti will focus on counter-terrorism operations in the backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United Nations mandate with an aim to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the two armies".

The previous edition of the Shakti exercise, which also focused on counter-terror operations, was held in Rajasthan in 2019.  

India has already conducted air force and naval exercises with France earlier during the year.