India, France discuss global concerns: nuclear weapons and disarmament

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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.</p>
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In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the bilateral discussions took place in Paris.<br />
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Just a day earlier the two allies had held discussions over bolstering <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/india-and-france-nail-hizbul-mujahideen-in-the-international-terror-network-list-129144.html">counter-terror mechanisms</a> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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".<br />
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The previous edition of the Shakti exercise, which also focused on counter-terror operations, was held in Rajasthan in 2019.  <br />
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India has already conducted air force and naval exercises with France earlier during the year. </p>