20th edition of India-France Joint Staff talks
Recently, the 20th edition of the India-France Joint Staff Talks was held. It emphasizes on new initiatives to strengthen bilateral defense ties.
The India-France Joint Staff Talks is a forum set up to enhance defense cooperation between the two countries. For this, regular talks are held at strategic and action levels.
France is fast emerging as a defense cooperative partner of India. Earlier, India and France had signed a roadmap to enhance exchanges on the Blue Economy. It aims to create a common vision for ocean governance based on the rule of law.
Indo-French Cooperation
- Energy Cooperation: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a joint initiative of both the countries. It was launched during COP21 to promote solar energy.
- Defense Cooperation: India has purchased Rafale aircraft from France. In addition, an agreement has also been signed for the purchase of 6 Scorpene submarines (under the P-75 project).
The two sides have the following three biennial joint military training exercises:
- Garuda: Bilateral Air Force Exercise,
- Varuna: Bilateral Naval Exercise, and
- Shakti: Bilateral army exercise.
- Space Cooperation: An agreement has been signed for cooperation in India’s first manned space mission ‘Gaganyaan’.
- Civil Nuclear Cooperation: The two countries signed a civil nuclear deal in 2008.
- Geo-strategic: Both countries have committed to ensure a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
India-France Relations:
The two countries have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries extended their ties to a strategic partnership. Both countries support a multi-polar world order.
France is supporting India’s claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council and India’s demands regarding reforms in the United Nations.
Source – The Hindu
