In the Annual Defense Dialogue (ADD) with France, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh The sources conveyed India’s firm stand, backed by “proper deterrence on the ground”, against China’s unilateral efforts to change the status quo in eastern Ladakh in violation of all bilateral agreements, the sources said.
Singh also raised the issue of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the turmoil in Afghanistan and the growing threat of terrorism emanating from the region.
With India and France acknowledging “their convergence” on several strategic and defense issues, as well as the need to coordinate closely on counter-terrorism, ADD has extended cooperation in all areas including maritime security, information-sharing, aerospace discussed ways to strengthen and defense-industrial cooperation.
“The India-France strategic partnership is more relevant today than ever. A wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and defence-industrial cooperation were discussed at ADD,” Singh said.
Speaking at an event earlier in the day, Parly said cooperation is needed in many areas, including fighting climate change with a major country like China. “China is also a partner of trade and commerce. But we also see that China is becoming more and more aggressive in this region, and it becomes even more specific when it comes to the (South) China Sea,” she said.
The French minister, who also met PM Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval, said India and France shared the view that the Indo-Pacific should be protected with freedom of navigation and trade for all without any “coercion”. There should remain an open, free and inclusive sector. ,
With 33 of the 36 Rafale jets already inducted by the IAF under a Rs 59,000-crore deal in September 2016, Parly also said that France could supply additional fighters – including aircraft carrier-borne versions Is – if India wants them.
“Using the same aircraft is a real asset and strength. I am sure there is room for new developments. We stand ready to respond to any additional needs or requests that India may have.”
Recognizing terrorism as a major challenge facing both France and India, he also expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan. “Terror has repeatedly struck France and Europe over the years and has not spared the Indo-Pacific, including India. This fight is not over and will continue for many years to come… Addressing this menace in a comprehensive manner needs to be done, from the Levant to Africa,” she said.
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