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India and France Deepen Maritime Cooperation at 7th Dialogue

The 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue was held in New Delhi on January 14, 2025. The dialogue was co-chaired by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor, National Security Council Secretariat, India, and Ms. Alice Rufo, Director General for International Relations and Strategy, Ministry for the Armed Forces, France.

The meeting emphasized the enhancement of cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reaffirmed a shared vision for maritime security as a cornerstone of the India-France Strategic Partnership. Both nations reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting multilateralism, and ensuring freedom of navigation.

Recalling the ‘Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ established in 2018, the dialogue underscored the importance of free and secure access to sea lanes. France welcomed the Indian Navy’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces and expressed anticipation for India’s leadership in appropriate Combined Task Forces.

Key agreements reached during the dialogue included:

  1. Threat Assessment and Countermeasures: Developing a joint assessment of maritime security threats, including illicit activities such as piracy, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, illegal fishing, cyber threats, and marine pollution.
  2. Enhanced Information Sharing: Strengthening existing mechanisms like information exchange between the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (Gurugram), the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (Seychelles), and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (Madagascar).
  3. Coordinated Surveillance: Exploring opportunities for coordinated surveillance to address threats to maritime security and ensuring mutual support in maritime engagements.

The two nations also highlighted their shared commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and protection of ocean resources within the framework of the United Nations Ocean Conference. Progress in bilateral discussions on the blue economy and ocean governance was welcomed, with both sides pledging to pursue regional cooperation as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The dialogue reaffirmed India and France’s steadfast commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region, cementing their partnership as key players in ensuring maritime security and sustainable ocean development.

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