France There is still ruckus over the AUKUS military deal between the US, UK and Australia, which cost it a major submarine deal. French Defense Minister Florence Parly tells TOI that his country is committed to offer India its best defense technology and cooperate in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and space security. Interview excerpts:
What is your agenda for talks with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh And on other Fridays?
The India-France Strategic Partnership has demonstrated exceptional solidarity and commitment. France has fulfilled its commitment to deliver Rafale fighter jets on time (33 out of 36 so far) despite pandemic disruptions. Our armed forces have reached a new level of interoperability this year with major exercises. Partnerships are our best asset in shaping a post-pandemic world, protecting our common values and fostering a multipolar world. We will hold our annual Defense Dialogue to review and take forward all aspects of our cooperation. I would also reiterate France’s commitment to offer its best defense technology with a high ‘Make in India’ component. I also take this opportunity to pay my tributes to the CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat On his sad demise.
wooWhat are the future prospects of the India-French partnership?
Our strategic partnership, based on enduring shared interests and an exceptional level of trust, enables France and India to work together in sensitive areas to enhance our autonomy and sovereignty. In defence, by sharing best-in-class capabilities like Rafale, and technology transfer like in the Scorpene submarine project. Today, we are expanding into new areas such as AI and supercomputing, cyber security and space security. France and India have long enjoyed civil space cooperation. So we also want to join hands on space safety and security issues by establishing a dedicated dialogue. The goal is to share threat assessments, coordinate our response strategies, and jointly promote international norms to ensure a free and safe space. We build satellites together, it’s only natural to work together to protect them.
Has the focus on France’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific yielded any results?
AUKUS does not change geography. France is a country in the Indo-Pacific and India is our most important strategic partner to keep the region free, open and prosperous. France and India share the same clear vision of challenges including maritime security. But a reductionist approach of military blocs, where countries abdicate responsibility for their own security, is not the solution. Our answer is to bring together countries that are willing to uphold the rule of law without any hegemony.
France will take over the presidency of the European Union in early 2022. How will India be among your priorities?
Our first priority will be to build a mighty Europe that is in control of its own destiny. This ambition is in line with France and India’s campaign for strategic autonomy. This makes the EU a natural partner for India to work together on building a true multipolar world order starting in the Indo-Pacific, where Europe has much in common – concrete solutions for connectivity, environmental protection and health By increased naval presence for We will use our presidency to deliver concretely on this, with India at the core of our efforts. Specifically, we will invite nations to the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in February.
What do you think about China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing military confrontation in Ladakh?
The interests of France and Europe are directly affected by the issues at stake in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s behaviour. There is no naveté in Paris or the European Union about this. We are committed to uphold the law of the sea, as demonstrated by our enduring military presence in the region, frequent naval deployments and joint exercises with partners such as India.
As far as East Ladakh is concerned, we follow the events closely. No country can use the policy of fulfillment of trust. We welcome the disruptive steps taken so far, and strongly believe in peaceful dialogue and respect for international law as the way forward.
There is still a lot of controversy regarding the Rafale deal?
It is not my place to comment on any political debate in India or on the allegations of the press. It should be noted that in 2019 the deal was thoroughly scrutinized by relevant bodies in each country, including the Supreme Court of India. Rafales are being delivered perfectly on time; IAF seems completely satisfied with its performance; offset is being applied; And French companies are more eager than ever for ‘Make in India’ projects.
What is your agenda for talks with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh And on other Fridays?
The India-France Strategic Partnership has demonstrated exceptional solidarity and commitment. France has fulfilled its commitment to deliver Rafale fighter jets on time (33 out of 36 so far) despite pandemic disruptions. Our armed forces have reached a new level of interoperability this year with major exercises. Partnerships are our best asset in shaping a post-pandemic world, protecting our common values and fostering a multipolar world. We will hold our annual Defense Dialogue to review and take forward all aspects of our cooperation. I would also reiterate France’s commitment to offer its best defense technology with a high ‘Make in India’ component. I also take this opportunity to pay my tributes to the CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat On his sad demise.
wooWhat are the future prospects of the India-French partnership?
Our strategic partnership, based on enduring shared interests and an exceptional level of trust, enables France and India to work together in sensitive areas to enhance our autonomy and sovereignty. In defence, by sharing best-in-class capabilities like Rafale, and technology transfer like in the Scorpene submarine project. Today, we are expanding into new areas such as AI and supercomputing, cyber security and space security. France and India have long enjoyed civil space cooperation. So we also want to join hands on space safety and security issues by establishing a dedicated dialogue. The goal is to share threat assessments, coordinate our response strategies, and jointly promote international norms to ensure a free and safe space. We build satellites together, it’s only natural to work together to protect them.
Has the focus on France’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific yielded any results?
AUKUS does not change geography. France is a country in the Indo-Pacific and India is our most important strategic partner to keep the region free, open and prosperous. France and India share the same clear vision of challenges including maritime security. But a reductionist approach of military blocs, where countries abdicate responsibility for their own security, is not the solution. Our answer is to bring together countries that are willing to uphold the rule of law without any hegemony.
France will take over the presidency of the European Union in early 2022. How will India be among your priorities?
Our first priority will be to build a mighty Europe that is in control of its own destiny. This ambition is in line with France and India’s campaign for strategic autonomy. This makes the EU a natural partner for India to work together on building a true multipolar world order starting in the Indo-Pacific, where Europe has much in common – concrete solutions for connectivity, environmental protection and health By increased naval presence for We will use our presidency to deliver concretely on this, with India at the core of our efforts. Specifically, we will invite nations to the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in February.
What do you think about China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing military confrontation in Ladakh?
The interests of France and Europe are directly affected by the issues at stake in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s behaviour. There is no naveté in Paris or the European Union about this. We are committed to uphold the law of the sea, as demonstrated by our enduring military presence in the region, frequent naval deployments and joint exercises with partners such as India.
As far as East Ladakh is concerned, we follow the events closely. No country can use the policy of fulfillment of trust. We welcome the disruptive steps taken so far, and strongly believe in peaceful dialogue and respect for international law as the way forward.
There is still a lot of controversy regarding the Rafale deal?
It is not my place to comment on any political debate in India or on the allegations of the press. It should be noted that in 2019 the deal was thoroughly scrutinized by relevant bodies in each country, including the Supreme Court of India. Rafales are being delivered perfectly on time; IAF seems completely satisfied with its performance; offset is being applied; And French companies are more eager than ever for ‘Make in India’ projects.
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