PM Modi and Prez Macron agree to open its naval bases for warships to extend strategic ties
India and France have decided to open its naval bases for warships as the two countries aspire to extend its strategic partnership. The agreement comes amid China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
French President Emmanuel Macron after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that the two countries not restrict their tactical alliance to South Asia but extend it to Europe as well.
Referring to maritime security cooperation, Modi and Macron said that it would be crucial in order to maintain the safety of international sea lanes for unimpeded commerce and communications.
Chinese control over ports in Djibouti, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Sittwe port in Myanmar is a matter of concern for India. Chinese Navy vessels, including submarines, frequent the water on the pretext of anti-piracy operations, intelligence reports suggest.
The two countries have also decided enhance cooperation in maritime monitoring mechanism. The two leaders also took a decision on stepping up cooperation in space technology, which will also be used it in the maritime domain.
Indian Space Research Organisation and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales inked an agreement for end-to-end solution for detection, identification and monitoring of vessels in the regions of interest.
A joint statement said that the leaders expressed satisfaction with the 'on-schedule' progress in the implementation of acquisition related agreements, including the Rafale aircraft deal and the construction of six Scorpène-class submarines in India in collaboration with French shipbuilder Naval Group.
They also decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level.
Deals Beyond Water
- Modi, Macron expressed satisfaction with progress on acquisition-related deals including Rafale.
- Apart from maritime cooperation, they are also to step up cooperation in space technology.
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