Raksha Mantri and French Minister of Armed Forces Strengthen Defence Ties
Paris, October 12, 2023 – Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh recently concluded his two-nation Europe visit with a significant milestone in Indo-French bilateral relations. In Paris, he engaged in the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Mr Sebastien Lecornu.
The discussions covered a wide array of topics, ranging from the regional security landscape to ongoing military cooperation. A focal point of the dialogue was the augmentation of defence industrial collaboration, reflecting the intent of both nations to fortify their defence capabilities.
The Ministers also took stock of ongoing defence projects and explored avenues to enhance cooperation between the defence sectors of India and France. Notably, the dialogue included deliberations on potential partnerships in specialized domains like space, cyber, and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the desire to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
The meeting in Paris commenced with a Guard of Honour held at the French Ministry of Defence, symbolizing the mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
Before this dialogue, Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre near Paris, where he witnessed the latest advancements in aero-engine technology. He also had fruitful discussions with the chief executives of leading French defence companies, with a particular emphasis on their plans for collaboration with India.
Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the benefits of co-development and co-production in India, highlighting the prospects for exports to third countries. India’s strengths, including a sizable, skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and a robust legal framework, were accentuated as attractive attributes for potential collaborations.
Raksha Mantri’s Europe visit commenced in Rome, where he held extensive talks with Italian Defence Minister Mr Guido Crosetto. The discussions culminated in an Agreement on Cooperation in the field of defence, aimed at fostering multifaceted collaboration in areas such as security, defence policy, research and development, military education, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information, and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production, and the establishment of joint ventures.
Throughout his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh’s interactions with top industry leaders and defence companies reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing its defence capabilities and enhancing international partnerships. These dialogues not only strengthen bilateral relations but also underscore India’s position as a global player in the defence sector.
As India continues to build robust defence ties with key nations, these diplomatic efforts contribute to the country’s strategic interests and foster technological advancements in the defence sector.
