India’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) on an Official visit to France

Posted 29 Apr 2024

2 min read

Visit is aimed to further reinforce the robust defence ties between the two nations, which have gained considerable momentum over last few years.

India-France Defense Relations
- India’s Defense modernization: France is playing an instrumental role in India’s defense modernization through transfer of technology, joint ventures, supply of advanced systems, etc.
  - e.g., Agreement for transfer of technology for Scorpene class submarines, supply of Rafale aircrafts, etc.
  - Indo- France Defense Industrial Roadmap aims at future collaboration on “co-design and co-development” of military hardware.
- Space cooperation: Strategic Space Dialogue, launched in June 2023, to provide strategic guidance and direction across the all aspects of space cooperation
- Indo-Pacific: In 2018, both countries agreed on a ‘Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ which aims to establish Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund.
- Counter-terrorism: Agency-level cooperation between National Security Guard (NSG) of India and GIGN (Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale) of France.
  - Both countries resolved to work together for adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN.
  - Joint Defense Exercises: Varuna (naval), Garuda (Air Force), and Shakti (Army).

Developmental cooperation: Both countries are collaborating in the domain of smart cities. e.g., India-France collaboration on Chandigarh Smart City project.
Climate Change: International Solar Alliance (ISA) conceived as a joint effort by India and France for deployment of solar energy solutions across the globe.
Global Governance: France continuously reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC for reformed and effective multilateralism.