India, France Discuss Defence Cooperation, Maritime Security in Annual Strategic Dialogue

Bilateral

New Delhi. India and France held their annual Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on January 7. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President.

The two sides held discussions on a variety of issues including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides reaffirmed the high priority they accord to the India-France strategic partnership and highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries.

Following the Dialogue, Bonne also called on the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister, and met the Foreign Secretary. He also addressed the Vivekananda International Foundation on “France and India: Partners for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”