India and France reaffirmed their commitment to global security and strategic stability at the India-France Bilateral Dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, held on February 14, 2025, in Paris. The high-level discussions focused on nuclear, chemical, and biological disarmament, outer space security, and emerging threats in conventional and autonomous weapons systems.
High-Level Delegations & Strategic Discussions
The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs, while the French delegation was headed by Mr. Guillaume Ollagnier, Director for Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Both sides engaged in comprehensive deliberations on global arms control mechanisms and exchanged views on strengthening multilateral cooperation in security frameworks.
1️⃣ Focus Areas of Discussion
🔹 Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Security: Reviewed global non-proliferation efforts and reaffirmed commitment to treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
🔹 Outer Space Security: Explored measures to prevent the weaponization of space and ensure responsible use of space technologies.
🔹 AI & Autonomous Weapons: Addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications and the ethical concerns surrounding Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS).
🔹 Conventional Arms & Export Controls: Strengthened cooperation on multilateral export control regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group.
Strengthening Bilateral & Multilateral Security Cooperation
The dialogue underscored India and France’s shared vision for global peace and security and their strong bilateral cooperation in defense and strategic affairs. Both sides agreed to continue collaboration on disarmament efforts, emerging security challenges, and multilateral non-proliferation initiatives.
This meeting further cemented India-France ties in global security governance, reinforcing their commitment to peaceful, rules-based international security frameworks.