Building on a great tradition of over 60 years of technical and scientific space cooperation, and in order to address the contemporary challenges that have arisen in space, in particular maintaining secure access to space for all, India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue on space issues.

“It will bring together experts from space and defence agencies, administration and specialised ecosystem to discuss security and economic challenges in outer space, the norms and principles applicable to space as well as unveil new areas of cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the first dialogue this year at the earliest,” the joint statement from the meeting revealed.

Defence Domain

During the meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, both sides welcomed the ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains. Joint exercises (Shakti, Varuna, Pegase, Desert Knight, Garuda) illustrate efforts towards better integration and interoperability wherever possible.

Meanwhile, maritime cooperation between India and France has reached new levels of trust and will continue through exercises, exchanges and joint endeavours throughout the Indian Ocean.

India and France underscored that the long-standing armament cooperation is testimony to the mutual trust between the two sides. The six Scorpene submarines built at MDL in Mumbai illustrate the level of transfer of technology from France to India, in line with the “Make in India” initiative.

As seen in the timely delivery of the Rafale despite the pandemic, the two sides enjoy synergy in the field of defence. Taking forward this momentum, and based on their mutual trust, both sides agreed to find creative ways for France’s deeper involvement in the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) efforts in advanced defence technology, manufacturing and exports, including by encouraging increased industry to industry partnerships.

Ealier, the two sides deliberated on various facets of the defence ties at the two-day India-France Joint Staff talks that took place in Paris from April 12 to 13 to focus on new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism and strengthening ongoing defence engagements.

The Indian and French navies in April 2021 carried out a mega wargame in the Arabian Sea. The French Navy deployed its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and its entire carrier strike group in that exercise, reflecting growing congruence in naval ties.

Cyber Security

In an increasingly digitalised world, India and France have strengthened cooperation between their cyber security agencies. Based on a convergent outlook, they agree to join forces in promoting cyber norms and principles in order to counter cyber threats and agree to upgrade their bilateral cyber dialogue with a view to contributing to a peaceful, secure and open cyberspace.

Indo-Pacific

India and France have built one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They share a vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions and conflicts.

Position on Ukraine

India expectedly did not join France, a key European and Indo-Pacific partner, in condemning Russia’s aggression after the end of the Modi-Macron meeting.

Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said there was a clear and broad understanding between the two countries of each other’s position on Ukraine.

The French President is learnt to have briefed PM Modi, the first leader he hosted in Elysee Palace after his re-election, about his latest two-hour long conversation with Putin on 3 May.

France reiterates its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces. India expressed serious concern at the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Both countries underlined the need to respect UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The joint statement said both sides were committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict.

On Afghanistan

France and India expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. They called for an inclusive and representative government, and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities. They also reaffirmed the UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) and emphasized on zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world, and agreed to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council.

Counter-terrorism

Counter-terrorism cooperation is a corner stone of the France-India strategic partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They strongly condemned all forms of terrorism including use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism.

They reiterated their resolve to closely work together in the common fight against global terrorism including through combating the financing of terrorism, countering radicalization and violent extremism, preventing misuse of the internet for terrorist or violent extremist purpose, acting against internationally designated entities and individuals. Both sides expressed their willingness to coordinate actively in the run up to the third edition of the “No Money for Terror” international Conference to be hosted by India in 2022.

Comments

France and India have been strategic partners since 1998. The strategic partnership is anchored on the solid bedrock of deep and consistent mutual trust, abiding faith in strategic autonomy, unwavering commitment to international law; and belief in a multipolar world shaped by reformed and effective multilateralism. Both are committed to the shared values of democracy, fundamental freedoms, rule of law and respect for human rights.

France and India have built one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo Pacific region. They share a vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on commitment international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions and conflicts.

France-India partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability. Besides bilateral cooperation, India and France will continue to develop new partnerships in various formats with like-minded countries in the region and within regional organisations.

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The French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 was deployed in Asia as part of their ‘Skyros Deployment’ and had ferried in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The French participated with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel.

The IAF participated with Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) and airborne early warning & control (AEW&C)  aircraft.

In a press release issued on January 25, the French Ministry of Defense highlighted that the two air arms worked together to carry out aerial combat missions, as well as air-to-air refuelling operations. It quoted the IAF’s Chief of Air Force Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria as saying: “I am sure that our ability to work together will grow exponentially in the years to come. I call for the ever greater development of interactions between our two countries and our two air forces.”

The exercise marked an important milestone in the series of engagements between the two air forces. As measures to further the existing cooperation, the two forces have been gainfully utilising available opportunities to conduct ‘hop-exercises’.

Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000 aircrafts of the IAF undertook complex missions including large force engagements. Both air forces exercised in realistic settings with the aim of enhancing operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on 21 January 2021 and flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the FASF contingent leader. He was given an overview on conduct of the exercise and witnessed air-to-air refuelling operations by IAF and FASF fighters.

On 23 January 2021, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited Air Force Station Jodhpur along with the ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain. The CAS appreciated the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of four days. He also commended the planning, operational and maintenance staff from both sides for smooth and safe conduct of the exercise.

As part of Indo-French defence cooperation, the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force held six editions of air exercises named ‘Garuda.’

The FASF and IAF have come together regularly since 1953. In recent years, the two air arms have notably participated in Australia’s multinational Pitch Black exercise in 2018, along with the biennially-held bilateral Garuda exercise, which was last held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base (Base Aérienne 118, BA 118) in southwestern France in July 2019.

The French Air and Space Force deployment, while ferrying to Australia for Exercise Pitchblack in 2018, was hosted by the IAF at the air force stations in Agra and Gwalior for exercise with fighters and MRTT aircraft.

This time, the French Air Force brought one A330 MRTT (Phénix) tanker for training purposes. The IAF plans to lease one A330 MRTT tanker from France for training purposes and five more to act as aerial refuelers for their fighter jets.

India and France also conduct hop exercises, in which, if India or France are moving to a third country for a joint exercise, a short joint exercise is conducted if the other country falls en route. For example, in 2018, while going to Australia for a joint exercise called Pitch Black, France conducted a joint exercise with India. The exercise provided an opportunity for the two sides to learn from each other›s best practices, besides improving interoperability. Interoperability is an essential component in multinational task force operations either as part of the UN or regional grouping.

 IAF and FASF are also scheduled to participate in Ex Desert Flag hosted by UAE Air Force along with other friendly countries in March 2021.

India is also slated to take part in a French Navy exercise “La Perouse” in the Eastern Indian Ocean from 5 to 7 April 2021 with INS Satpura, Kiltan and a P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft. Navies of the US, Japan and Australia have also planned their participation.

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