At 36th Strategic Dialogue, India & France discuss defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region

India and France discussed a wide range of issues including defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Ukraine conflict during the 36th India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday.

India and France held discussions on various issues including the current global security situation in the context of conflict in Ukraine, regional security in the context of Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific and cyber security, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Bonne.

Later, Bonne also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "Glad to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President of France. Useful exchange of views on current issues of mutual interest," EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

The last Strategic Dialogue was held in Paris in November 2021.

The India-France Strategic Partnership was established in 1998. It is based on a commitment to international law and belief in a multipolar world shaped by reformed and effective multilateralism.

The two sides are also committed to advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Their Indo-Pacific partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability.

There has been substantial development in all areas of bilateral cooperation thanks to frequent high-level meetings between heads of state and governments and expanding commercial ties, including in crucial sectors like space, nuclear energy, and defence.

Additionally, there is growing collaboration in fields like commerce and business, culture, science and technology, and education.