How come we have no dedicated thread for India-France relations despite having active French members here ?
@nair @Ashwin @BlackOpsIndia please make this thread sticky.
@nair @Ashwin @BlackOpsIndia please make this thread sticky.
India - France relations.
- Thread starter Gautam
- Start date
France and India
Bilateral relations
Relations between India and France were reinforced with the creation of the Strategic Partnership in 1998, which demonstrates the ties of friendship and trust between the two countries. Regular meetings between Indian and French authorities fuel an in-depth, long-term political dialogue. The French President thus made a State visit to India from 9 to 12 March 2018, emphasizing the strengthening of our strategic partnership, our commitments to combating climate change, and our common desire to develop human exchanges and encourage mobility between France and India. The visit to France by the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Ms Sushma Swaraj, on 18 and 19 June 2018, helped take stock of progress on these key themes.
Trade between France and India has produced a structural deficit for France since the 2008 crisis. This trade now represents around €14 billion (30% of which in services) and is rebalancing: in 2016, France posted a smaller deficit with India (€776 million), largely explained by the aeronautics sector (the most buoyant sector on the French side) and falling commodities prices. The coverage ratio of our imports in goods (more than 90%) is better than that of services (80%). France’s market share in India stands at 1.3%.
France is among the top foreign investors in India. Today, more than 1,000 French companies across a wide range of sectors are working there and employ approximately 300,000 people. The foreign direct investment stock of French companies in India reportedly stands at around €20 billion. France and India signed an agreement on sustainable urban development in Paris on 5 October 2012. Under the agreement, France is taking part in implementing the Smart Cities sustainable urban development programme.
The development of academic, scientific and technical cooperation with India is also a priority for France. There are almost 5,000 Indians studying in France, more than twice as many as five years ago. French efforts cover two areas: scholarship programmes and partnerships between Indian and French institutions. The signing in March 2018 of an agreement on the recognition of diplomas and another on migration and mobility should further increase the number of Indian students in France. Scientific and technical cooperation builds on structures bringing together French and Indian researchers and scientists, such as the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR) since 1987 and on the development of joint research laboratories in promising areas of research such as neuroscience and chemistry. The two Instituts Français in Delhi and Pondicherry round out our presence.
Finally, France and India are enhancing their cooperation in the field of the environment and the fight against climate change, through the activities of the Franco-Indian working group on the environment and the establishment of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in India in 2008 with a mandate focused on the preservation of global public goods. The International Solar Alliance, jointly launched by France and India in November 2015 during COP21 in Paris, promotes the development of solar energy and gained new momentum in March 2018 with the holding of its founding summit in India, during the visit to the country by the French President.
India and France organize reciprocal festivals, aiming to promote their culture: in France, the Namasté France festival showcased India in late 2016, while in India, Bonjour India was held in late 2017-early 2018.
For more information, visit the website of the French Embassy in India
Bilateral relations
Relations between India and France were reinforced with the creation of the Strategic Partnership in 1998, which demonstrates the ties of friendship and trust between the two countries. Regular meetings between Indian and French authorities fuel an in-depth, long-term political dialogue. The French President thus made a State visit to India from 9 to 12 March 2018, emphasizing the strengthening of our strategic partnership, our commitments to combating climate change, and our common desire to develop human exchanges and encourage mobility between France and India. The visit to France by the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Ms Sushma Swaraj, on 18 and 19 June 2018, helped take stock of progress on these key themes.
Trade between France and India has produced a structural deficit for France since the 2008 crisis. This trade now represents around €14 billion (30% of which in services) and is rebalancing: in 2016, France posted a smaller deficit with India (€776 million), largely explained by the aeronautics sector (the most buoyant sector on the French side) and falling commodities prices. The coverage ratio of our imports in goods (more than 90%) is better than that of services (80%). France’s market share in India stands at 1.3%.
France is among the top foreign investors in India. Today, more than 1,000 French companies across a wide range of sectors are working there and employ approximately 300,000 people. The foreign direct investment stock of French companies in India reportedly stands at around €20 billion. France and India signed an agreement on sustainable urban development in Paris on 5 October 2012. Under the agreement, France is taking part in implementing the Smart Cities sustainable urban development programme.
The development of academic, scientific and technical cooperation with India is also a priority for France. There are almost 5,000 Indians studying in France, more than twice as many as five years ago. French efforts cover two areas: scholarship programmes and partnerships between Indian and French institutions. The signing in March 2018 of an agreement on the recognition of diplomas and another on migration and mobility should further increase the number of Indian students in France. Scientific and technical cooperation builds on structures bringing together French and Indian researchers and scientists, such as the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR) since 1987 and on the development of joint research laboratories in promising areas of research such as neuroscience and chemistry. The two Instituts Français in Delhi and Pondicherry round out our presence.
Finally, France and India are enhancing their cooperation in the field of the environment and the fight against climate change, through the activities of the Franco-Indian working group on the environment and the establishment of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in India in 2008 with a mandate focused on the preservation of global public goods. The International Solar Alliance, jointly launched by France and India in November 2015 during COP21 in Paris, promotes the development of solar energy and gained new momentum in March 2018 with the holding of its founding summit in India, during the visit to the country by the French President.
India and France organize reciprocal festivals, aiming to promote their culture: in France, the Namasté France festival showcased India in late 2016, while in India, Bonjour India was held in late 2017-early 2018.
For more information, visit the website of the French Embassy in India
France, India working on Jaitapur nuclear power project
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 15, 2018 22:00 IST
UPDATED: DECEMBER 15, 2018 22:00 IST
Both countries are keen on starting the Jaitapur project as soon as possible, says Sushma
India and France are moving fast towards operationalising the nuclear power project at Jaitapur, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Saturday. Addressing the media after holding discussions with her French counterpart, Ms. Swaraj said both sides were working in the field of energy and also intensifying international developmental and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Good progress
“Both countries are working to start the Jaitapur nuclear energy project as soon as possible. We are glad that NPCIL and EDF have have made progress based on the Industrial Way Forward Agreement. Today we have adopted the Status of Progress for Implementation of Industrial Way Forward Agreement,” Ms. Swaraj announced after holding talks with visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Six reactors
The French Minister said the project, which involved building six EPR reactors, would also help the ‘Make in India’ project of the Government of India as it will include transfer of technology.
Common plans
Both sides declared common plans to work in development projects in the African continent. “..We have decided to launch projects together in Africa, particularly in the area of sustainable development in connection with the International Solar Alliance. Our respective Joint Secretaries for Africa, who held operational consultations earlier this week, will soon submit a progress report on these joint projects,” Mr. Le Drian said.
Anti-terror cooperation
The visiting Minister referred to the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and reiterated that India and France would expand collaboration to prevent terrorism in the world. Mr. Le Drian’s visit, which coincided with the ongoing debate on the Rafale aircraft deal in India, also emphasised the softer side of bilateral ties with Ms. Swaraj highlighting that a large number of student exchanges with France would be possible by 2020.
“Both sides need to work if we want to take bilateral trade to the target of €15 billion,” Ms. Swaraj said.
France, India working on Jaitapur nuclear power project
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTNEW DELHI, DECEMBER 15, 2018 22:00 IST
UPDATED: DECEMBER 15, 2018 22:00 IST
Both countries are keen on starting the Jaitapur project as soon as possible, says Sushma
India and France are moving fast towards operationalising the nuclear power project at Jaitapur, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Saturday. Addressing the media after holding discussions with her French counterpart, Ms. Swaraj said both sides were working in the field of energy and also intensifying international developmental and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Good progress
“Both countries are working to start the Jaitapur nuclear energy project as soon as possible. We are glad that NPCIL and EDF have have made progress based on the Industrial Way Forward Agreement. Today we have adopted the Status of Progress for Implementation of Industrial Way Forward Agreement,” Ms. Swaraj announced after holding talks with visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Six reactors
The French Minister said the project, which involved building six EPR reactors, would also help the ‘Make in India’ project of the Government of India as it will include transfer of technology.
Common plans
Both sides declared common plans to work in development projects in the African continent. “..We have decided to launch projects together in Africa, particularly in the area of sustainable development in connection with the International Solar Alliance. Our respective Joint Secretaries for Africa, who held operational consultations earlier this week, will soon submit a progress report on these joint projects,” Mr. Le Drian said.
Anti-terror cooperation
The visiting Minister referred to the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and reiterated that India and France would expand collaboration to prevent terrorism in the world. Mr. Le Drian’s visit, which coincided with the ongoing debate on the Rafale aircraft deal in India, also emphasised the softer side of bilateral ties with Ms. Swaraj highlighting that a large number of student exchanges with France would be possible by 2020.
“Both sides need to work if we want to take bilateral trade to the target of €15 billion,” Ms. Swaraj said.
France, India working on Jaitapur nuclear power project
India-France Relations – New Developments
FILED UNDER: FOREIGN RELATIONS NOTES
When India count her friends in the foreign relations, France occupies a special place. Both nations have a centuries-old history of trade relations. In this post, let’s analyse the new developments in India-France relations.
History of India-France Relations
On the basis of this old bond of trust that France and India decided to take a new step by establishing a strategic partnership in 1998. With the establishment of this partnership, there has been a significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation through regular high-level exchanges at the Head of State/Head of Government levels. The growing cooperation and exchanges include strategic areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, nuclear energy and space.
The strategic interests: background
During cold war time, France was weary of subordinating its foreign policy to that of US’s. India was also pursuing NAM thus not succumbing to either super-powers.
After the end of the cold war, both India and France favoured multipolar world order as they were sceptic of US hegemony.
French islands – Réunion and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean and New Caledonia and French Polynesia in the South Pacific – making France a stakeholder in the region.
Since 1980s defence cooperation increased as India was looking to diversify its military procurement to reduce over-reliance on USSR.
Major defence projects
Terrorism
In vision statement on India-France relations, free Indo-Pacific was emphasized
Challenges in India-France Relations
Strategic relations
India-France Relations – New Developments
FILED UNDER: FOREIGN RELATIONS NOTES
When India count her friends in the foreign relations, France occupies a special place. Both nations have a centuries-old history of trade relations. In this post, let’s analyse the new developments in India-France relations.
History of India-France Relations
- The French came as traders to India in the 17th century. But they had colonial aspirations, which resulted in the ruling of certain territories like Puducherry.
- Things have changed, colonialism had ended. Now Puducherry is a popular tourist destination for French travellers to India.
- The political, commercial and cultural contacts, then established, were maintained throughout the 19th century. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established after the Independence of India. Since then, co-operation has developed in all the major areas.
- Though France was always sensitive to India’s claim for its unique stature in the world due to its rich civilization, cold war impeded deepening of the relationship. After the cold war, the relationship progressed through many landmark agreements like Strategic Partnership agreement 1998 and Civil Nuclear agreement 2008.
- Former French president François Hollande was the chief guest in republic day celebrations in 2016 thus making France the only country to be invited a record-setting 5 times to republic day celebrations.
- Cooperation in fields of nuclear, space, counter-terrorism, defence, urbanization, culture etc grew in recent decades.
- President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in 2018 cemented the regional dimension of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
On the basis of this old bond of trust that France and India decided to take a new step by establishing a strategic partnership in 1998. With the establishment of this partnership, there has been a significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation through regular high-level exchanges at the Head of State/Head of Government levels. The growing cooperation and exchanges include strategic areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, nuclear energy and space.
The strategic interests: background
During cold war time, France was weary of subordinating its foreign policy to that of US’s. India was also pursuing NAM thus not succumbing to either super-powers.
After the end of the cold war, both India and France favoured multipolar world order as they were sceptic of US hegemony.
- France termed the US as hyper-power
- France was the first P-5 country to support Indian membership in UNSC
- They signed a strategic partnership in 1998
- France supports India’s membership of Multilateral Export Control regimes, viz. NSG and MTCR.
- France’s support was vital in India’s accession to MTCR in 2016.
French islands – Réunion and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean and New Caledonia and French Polynesia in the South Pacific – making France a stakeholder in the region.
- But regional dimension to the strategic partnership remains dormant as India was reluctant to join hands with any other power, especially western powers in Indo-Pacific region due to its cold war legacy of NAM.
- This equation changed with the rise of Chinese clout in the region and simultaneous decline of American hegemony from the region.
- This prompted India to look for like-minded countries to jointly spearhead the security architecture of the region.
- France, which has many littoral islands in the region, also looked for partnerships in the region to counter the volatile rise of China.
- Being middle powers and their mutual wariness to hegemonic power projection, India and France began to see each other as natural allies in Indo-Pacific region, especially western Indian ocean.
- Prime Minister Modi visited France in 2017 and met President Emmanuel Macron and reiterated strong commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi declared India’s unflinching commitment to the Paris Accord. This regional dimension of strategic relation was complemented by other initiatives like ISA. Amidst this background, Emmanuel Macron visited India in 2018.
Since 1980s defence cooperation increased as India was looking to diversify its military procurement to reduce over-reliance on USSR.
Major defence projects
- 36 Rafale fighter jets through government to government deal
- P-75 Scorpene Project: The contract for six Scorpene submarines under technology transfer. The first two submarine Kalvari and Khanderi have been built.
- Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) manufacturing facility at Mihan in Maharashtra. It is a joint venture between French aerospace firm, Dassault Aviation, and India’s Reliance Group and is the first private facility for production of Rafale fighter jets and Falcon civilian aircraft.
- Regular defence exercises; viz. Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda(Air Force)
- ISRO and the French Space Agency (CNES) are cooperating for many decades.
- French launch pads are used by ISRO for their GSLVs: GSAT-17 was launched from Kourou 2017.
- France is a major supplier of components and equipment for the Indian space programme.
- After the 1998 nuclear test by India, France was the major nuclear country which understood India’s security compulsions for its nuclear test.
- France worked with the US to integrate India into global nuclear order through India specific waiver in NSG.
- France was the first country with which India entered into civil nuclear agreement following NSG waiver.
- General Framework Agreement and the Early Works Agreement between NPCIL and AREVA for the implementation Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) were signed in 2010.
Terrorism
- After the Paris bomb attacks, both countries increased cooperation on global terrorism.
- France supports India’s proposal of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN.
- During former President Hollande’s visit in 2016, India and France issued a Joint Statement on Counter-Terrorism in which they resolved to step up bilateral cooperation in this field.
- In Paris summit of UNFCC, India and France launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) which brings together countries between tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn for cooperation on solar energy.
- During Macron’s visit, both countries decided to form a joint working group to institutionalize cooperation in the conservation of the environment.
- India and France are cooperating on developing smart cities: Chandigarh, Nagpur, and Puducherry.
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations regularly sends Indian cultural troupes to France.
- Presented the Namaste France cultural festival in France from 15 September to 30 November 2016.
- French cultural festival Bonjour India in India will be conducted from November 2017 to February 2018.
- India’s trade relationship with EU is mired in many roadblocks which are reflected in the stalled FTA negotiations with EU. This inertia also affects trade relation with France.
- Trade is highly concentrated in certain niche areas like defence supplies.
- In the backdrop of Brexit, France can act as an entry point for Indian businesses in Europe.
In vision statement on India-France relations, free Indo-Pacific was emphasized
- France has many littoral islands in the indo-pacific region which makes France a major player in the region especially in the west Indian Ocean.
- The Indian navy has good relation with US Pacific command which reaches up to the Bay of Bengal. But US Central command which is up to Arabian sea has good relation with Pakistan. Here India can partner with French navy (according to Rakesh Sood).
- A Joint vision statement on free Indo-Pacific is aimed at countering Chinese hegemony in the region.
- This vision comes at a time when India is willing to cooperate with other like-minded countries in Indo-Pacific region shedding its approach of viewing the region as its exclusive backyard.
- French military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi, and Reunion Island can be a force multiplier for India, which itself is looking to build naval facilities in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Oman.
- Reactions to the abdication of responsibility by the US on climate change regime.
- Leadership role in ISA is conceived as providing an alternate leadership for developing countries by challenging current geopolitical power structure around fossil fuel.
- Message to US and Russia about restructuring strategic posture in consonance with an age-old commitment to multipolar world order.
Challenges in India-France Relations
Strategic relations
- France’s commitment to BRI is in stark contrast to India’s position on the same.
- Presently cooperation on Indo-Pacific is merely symbolic. Need deep coordination between both navies. Reciprocal logistics support is a right step in this direction.
- Thermal power still feasible and economic than solar in India, so International Solar Alliance (ISA) will not make much headway in near future.
- Delay in the Jaitapur project is affecting future cooperation on the nuclear front.
- Delays and controversies around Rafael deal are affecting mutual trust between both the nations.
- The India-France relationship is primarily driven by government-to-government level relations. It needs people-to-people and business-to-business relations to deepen the ties.
- French infrastructure companies are looking for opportunities in Indian projects especially in smart cities and renewable energy. India should leverage this opportunity by improving ease of doing business.
- Model Bilateral Investment Treaty of India has drawn sharp criticism from investors, Government should revisit this by taking into account concerns of all the stakeholders.
- India-France should build on reciprocal logistics support agreement to deepen military ties
- 14 agreements signed on during Macron’s visit covering the whole gamut of issues from space cooperation to sustainable urban development. Both countries should carry forward these commitments consistently to deepen the relationship.
India-France Relations – New Developments
Sixth Edition Of Indo-French Garuda Exercise In July To Witness Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Pitted Against Rafale
by Swarajya Staff - Jun 06 2019, 1:15 pm,
Indian Air Force (IAF) and its French counterpart will go for a joint drill in the sixth edition of Garuda bilateral air exercise in July this year.
Garuda VI exercise will witness the most potent aircraft of the two countries - IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and Rafale multirole jets of the Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) - taking on each other in the sky. The exercise will take place at an air base in France, reports Zee News.
IAF is sending 10 Su-30 MKIs, Ilyushin IL-76 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane and Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker for the two-week-long Garuda VI exercise.
More than 150 IAF officers and airmen will also take part in the drill. The first edition of Garuda took place in 2003 at the Gwalior Air Force Station followed by more editions that are alternately hosted by India and France
India and France had in 1998 signed an agreement for joint military exercises between their armed forces. Accordingly, the Indian and French armies conduct Shakti mutual drill and the navies of the two countries indulge in the Varuna bilateral exercise.
Sixth Edition Of Indo-French Garuda Exercise In July To Witness Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Pitted Against Rafale
Rafale to be a better tool for sovereignity of India, says French Minister Lemoyne
"The French government doesn't care about controversies and we've a roadmap, we just want to deliver. It's in the interest of the two countries. Rafale is a tool for better sovereignty for India," Lemoyne said.
BusinessToday.In New Delhi Last Updated: June 10, 2019 | 21:47 IST
Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean Baptiste Lemoyne
called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Photo credit: PTI
The first Rafale jet will be delivered to India in September and will be a strong signal of cooperation between India and France, said French minister Jean Baptiste Lemoyne. The remaining 35 fighter jets will be delivered one after one, he added.
Lemoyne, the Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, is on a visit to India right after the BJP-led NDA returned to power at the Centre with a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Controversy around the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault Aviation remained a hot topic during this election.
"The French government doesn't care about controversies and we've a roadmap, we just want to deliver. It's in the interest of the two countries. Rafale is a tool for better sovereignty for India," Lemoyne said.
Answering questions on the attempted break-in last month at Indian Air Force's Paris office which looks after various aspects of the Rafale deal, Lemoyne assured that investigation in underway in the matter and the Indian authorities will be updates as new details pour in.
Lemoyne also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal for a global conference to tackle the threat of terrorism, saying the fight against terror is at the heart of its priorities.
"Every single initiative to fight terrorism is welcome because it is a threat to every country in the world... So, everything that can be done to unite efforts is welcome. It's (terrorism) a global challenge like climate change. We will be closely looking at this initiative," he said.
"Fight against terrorism is at the heart of our priorities. France stands alongside India in this and I think we must address different things - cybersecurity, for example, is crucial (so is) the fight against financing terrorism. It's an everyday fight and I can say that we have strong relations on this front," Lemoyne said.
India and France worked closely to get Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.
Lemoyne also talked about PM Modi's upcoming visit to France to participate in the G-7 meeting. "French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi have a strong relationship personally. This visit is to prepare for PM Modi's participation at G-7 Summit in August," he said.
Lemoyne met Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and a Confederation of Indian Industry delegation on Monday before returning to France late night.
Rafale to be a better tool for sovereignity of India, says French Minister Lemoyne
"The French government doesn't care about controversies and we've a roadmap, we just want to deliver. It's in the interest of the two countries. Rafale is a tool for better sovereignty for India," Lemoyne said.
BusinessToday.In New Delhi Last Updated: June 10, 2019 | 21:47 IST
Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean Baptiste Lemoyne
called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Photo credit: PTI
The first Rafale jet will be delivered to India in September and will be a strong signal of cooperation between India and France, said French minister Jean Baptiste Lemoyne. The remaining 35 fighter jets will be delivered one after one, he added.
Lemoyne, the Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, is on a visit to India right after the BJP-led NDA returned to power at the Centre with a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Controversy around the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets from French company Dassault Aviation remained a hot topic during this election.
"The French government doesn't care about controversies and we've a roadmap, we just want to deliver. It's in the interest of the two countries. Rafale is a tool for better sovereignty for India," Lemoyne said.
Answering questions on the attempted break-in last month at Indian Air Force's Paris office which looks after various aspects of the Rafale deal, Lemoyne assured that investigation in underway in the matter and the Indian authorities will be updates as new details pour in.
Lemoyne also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal for a global conference to tackle the threat of terrorism, saying the fight against terror is at the heart of its priorities.
"Every single initiative to fight terrorism is welcome because it is a threat to every country in the world... So, everything that can be done to unite efforts is welcome. It's (terrorism) a global challenge like climate change. We will be closely looking at this initiative," he said.
"Fight against terrorism is at the heart of our priorities. France stands alongside India in this and I think we must address different things - cybersecurity, for example, is crucial (so is) the fight against financing terrorism. It's an everyday fight and I can say that we have strong relations on this front," Lemoyne said.
India and France worked closely to get Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.
Lemoyne also talked about PM Modi's upcoming visit to France to participate in the G-7 meeting. "French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi have a strong relationship personally. This visit is to prepare for PM Modi's participation at G-7 Summit in August," he said.
Lemoyne met Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and a Confederation of Indian Industry delegation on Monday before returning to France late night.
Rafale to be a better tool for sovereignity of India, says French Minister Lemoyne
Waiting for every side to claim they won.Sixth Edition Of Indo-French Garuda Exercise In July To Witness Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Pitted Against Rafale
by Swarajya Staff - Jun 06 2019, 1:15 pm,
A pair of Su-30 MKIs (Representative Image) (Indian Air Force/Twitter)
Indian Air Force (IAF) and its French counterpart will go for a joint drill in the sixth edition of Garuda bilateral air exercise in July this year.
Garuda VI exercise will witness the most potent aircraft of the two countries - IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and Rafale multirole jets of the Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) - taking on each other in the sky. The exercise will take place at an air base in France, reports Zee News.
IAF is sending 10 Su-30 MKIs, Ilyushin IL-76 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane and Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker for the two-week-long Garuda VI exercise.
More than 150 IAF officers and airmen will also take part in the drill. The first edition of Garuda took place in 2003 at the Gwalior Air Force Station followed by more editions that are alternately hosted by India and France
India and France had in 1998 signed an agreement for joint military exercises between their armed forces. Accordingly, the Indian and French armies conduct Shakti mutual drill and the navies of the two countries indulge in the Varuna bilateral exercise.
Sixth Edition Of Indo-French Garuda Exercise In July To Witness Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Pitted Against Rafale
When Indian MiGs And French Rafales Bombed A Tiny Island Off Karnataka
हिंदी में पढ़ें
Indian and France held bilateral Varuna Naval exercises which saw the largest and most sophisticated deployment of their naval assets ever in the Indian Ocean.
All India | Written by Vishnu Som | Updated: June 10, 2019 17:40 IST
Indian Navy flagship INS Vikramaditya with MiG-29K fighters deployed onboard
NEW DELHI:
On May 9, sixteen fighter jets, including eight Indian Navy MiG-29Ks and 8 French Rafale-M jets "clashed" over the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karnataka.
The fighters, which were split into two groups of eight each, had their job cut out. One element, designated the strike force, would attempt to hit a small island near Karwar with rockets, bombs and guns while a defensive force of eight MiG and Rafales would attempt to intercept them at beyond visual ranges before they could fire their weapons.
Controlling each element was an airborne early warning aircraft, an E2-D, deployed off the French nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle and an Indian Navy Kamov Ka-31 helicopter which took off from the deck of India's aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
Both warships, the de Gaulle and the Vikramaditya were at the centre of the bilateral Varuna Naval exercises, which saw the largest and most sophisticated deployment of Indian and French naval assets ever in the Indian Ocean featuring carriers, nuclear and conventional submarines, destroyers, frigates and support ships. Varuna 2019, which began with air combat exercises off the Karnataka coast, ended up with submarine warfare exercises off the Horn of Africa where the French Navy has a base.
Senior Navy officers who NDTV spoke to have said the air combat exercises added ''exceptional training value'' with the attack on the small island off Karwar being one of the highlights. The exercise culminated with the fighters of both sides proceeding to hit targets along the cliff face of the island.
French Navy Rafale-M fighters along with Indian Navy MiG-29Ks in close formation during the Varuna exercises
Key to working together was developing common communication protocols meant to ensure that French and Indian Naval aviators can operate together during a conflict. However, basic operational differences remain. The electronic data-link onboard the Indian Navy's MiG-29K is not compatible with what the French Rafales operate. As a result all tactical communications (information sharing) between the French and Indian jets were done through verbal communications on radio. Indian Navy officers have told NDTV that the gunnery exercises themselves were very successful with both sides accurately hitting their targets.
Navy officers did not share details of the air to air engagements between Indian Navy MiG-29Ks and the French Rafales. All of these exercises were done at beyond visual ranges of between 60 to 80 kilometres with the Indian Navy sharing that they were able to detect and engage the more-sophisticated Rafale fighter but score-lines of these exercises were not provided to this correspondent. However, Navy sources have repeatedly mentioned to NDTV that none of the exercises involved a straight "fight" between French and Indian forces with both sides deciding to deploy combined forces to maximise interoperability.
The French Rafale fighter is central to India's plans with the Indian Air Force set to receive the first few of its 36 Rafale jets in September this year. Prior to that, the Indian Air Force will be sending its Sukhoi-30 fighters across to France along with refuelling tankers in early July to participate in the Garuda series of air exercises between the two countries. These jets will fly with and fly against French Air Force Rafales giving the IAF exposure to the advanced fighter that it will soon be in the process of inducting.
When Indian MiGs And French Rafales Bombed A Tiny Island Off Karnataka
हिंदी में पढ़ें
Indian and France held bilateral Varuna Naval exercises which saw the largest and most sophisticated deployment of their naval assets ever in the Indian Ocean.
All India | Written by Vishnu Som | Updated: June 10, 2019 17:40 IST
Indian Navy flagship INS Vikramaditya with MiG-29K fighters deployed onboard
NEW DELHI:
On May 9, sixteen fighter jets, including eight Indian Navy MiG-29Ks and 8 French Rafale-M jets "clashed" over the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karnataka.
The fighters, which were split into two groups of eight each, had their job cut out. One element, designated the strike force, would attempt to hit a small island near Karwar with rockets, bombs and guns while a defensive force of eight MiG and Rafales would attempt to intercept them at beyond visual ranges before they could fire their weapons.
Controlling each element was an airborne early warning aircraft, an E2-D, deployed off the French nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle and an Indian Navy Kamov Ka-31 helicopter which took off from the deck of India's aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
Both warships, the de Gaulle and the Vikramaditya were at the centre of the bilateral Varuna Naval exercises, which saw the largest and most sophisticated deployment of Indian and French naval assets ever in the Indian Ocean featuring carriers, nuclear and conventional submarines, destroyers, frigates and support ships. Varuna 2019, which began with air combat exercises off the Karnataka coast, ended up with submarine warfare exercises off the Horn of Africa where the French Navy has a base.
Senior Navy officers who NDTV spoke to have said the air combat exercises added ''exceptional training value'' with the attack on the small island off Karwar being one of the highlights. The exercise culminated with the fighters of both sides proceeding to hit targets along the cliff face of the island.
French Navy Rafale-M fighters along with Indian Navy MiG-29Ks in close formation during the Varuna exercises
Key to working together was developing common communication protocols meant to ensure that French and Indian Naval aviators can operate together during a conflict. However, basic operational differences remain. The electronic data-link onboard the Indian Navy's MiG-29K is not compatible with what the French Rafales operate. As a result all tactical communications (information sharing) between the French and Indian jets were done through verbal communications on radio. Indian Navy officers have told NDTV that the gunnery exercises themselves were very successful with both sides accurately hitting their targets.
Navy officers did not share details of the air to air engagements between Indian Navy MiG-29Ks and the French Rafales. All of these exercises were done at beyond visual ranges of between 60 to 80 kilometres with the Indian Navy sharing that they were able to detect and engage the more-sophisticated Rafale fighter but score-lines of these exercises were not provided to this correspondent. However, Navy sources have repeatedly mentioned to NDTV that none of the exercises involved a straight "fight" between French and Indian forces with both sides deciding to deploy combined forces to maximise interoperability.
The French Rafale fighter is central to India's plans with the Indian Air Force set to receive the first few of its 36 Rafale jets in September this year. Prior to that, the Indian Air Force will be sending its Sukhoi-30 fighters across to France along with refuelling tankers in early July to participate in the Garuda series of air exercises between the two countries. These jets will fly with and fly against French Air Force Rafales giving the IAF exposure to the advanced fighter that it will soon be in the process of inducting.
When Indian MiGs And French Rafales Bombed A Tiny Island Off Karnataka
French aviation, defence industries have chosen India for cooperation: Envoy
French aviation, defence industries have chosen India for cooperation: Envoy
Describing India as a true partner, French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler on Tuesday said France is looking forward to further exchanges with India for providing support to deepen industrial relations in defence and the civilian aerospace sectors.
Speaking on the second day of the Paris Air Show, the Ambassador said: "I look forward to supporting all your efforts in the establishment of long-term and win-win cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors."
"French aviation and defence industries have chosen India and will invest in this goal. This choice was evident at the Aero India air show in Bangalore last February. With 49 French companies present, and a lot of military and civilian aircraft, France was, by far, the foremost foreign participant in the exhibition," he said.
He said France is India's oldest strategic partner and a significant one for defence and aerospace equipment, "not just as a supplier but as a true partner".
"As a matter of fact, Make-in-India has been a reality for the French industry for many years, particularly for defence equipment such as helicopters, missiles, submarines, aircraft engines and others. Our relations in this area date back to India's Independence and are being continuously strengthened. Today our strategic partnership is the strongest and closest we have in the Asia-Pacific region," Ziegler said.
He said the bilateral strategic partnership was enhanced further by President France Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in March last year.
"This visit was a great success in many respect and one of the areas of convergence of views between our leaders was the necessity to strengthen our manufacturing partnership in the industrial sector, particularly, in aerospace and defence, as clearly stated in their Joint Statement," he said.
"This political support at the highest level of both States provided the industries of both countries the best possible high-level framework for deepening their industrial relations in defence as well as the civilian aerospace sectors," he said.
"You can count on our full political support for this and we are looking forward to further exchanges with the new Indian government in this respect," Ziegler said.
He said Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, French minister of state for Europe and Foreign Affairs, was in Delhi recently to discuss the next possible steps in the bilateral strategic partnership with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
"Other high level visits in India or in France will indeed occur in the weeks and months to come. Most importantly, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has accepted an invitation from President Macron to attend the outreach session of G7 Summit in France as a special invitee at the end of August. The event will of course also include a bilateral Indo-French component," he said.
"French industrial facilities in India, big and small, which we are strongly supporting, are indeed flourishing, and this is good news, especially because more and more Indian companies are also investing in France, like for instance Motherson, which is here with us today. We are also strongly supporting this investment from India in France as our strategic partnership is a two-way partnership, between partners and friends," he said.
French aviation, defence industries have chosen India for cooperation: Envoy
Describing India as a true partner, French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler on Tuesday said France is looking forward to further exchanges with India for providing support to deepen industrial relations in defence and the civilian aerospace sectors.
Speaking on the second day of the Paris Air Show, the Ambassador said: "I look forward to supporting all your efforts in the establishment of long-term and win-win cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors."
"French aviation and defence industries have chosen India and will invest in this goal. This choice was evident at the Aero India air show in Bangalore last February. With 49 French companies present, and a lot of military and civilian aircraft, France was, by far, the foremost foreign participant in the exhibition," he said.
He said France is India's oldest strategic partner and a significant one for defence and aerospace equipment, "not just as a supplier but as a true partner".
"As a matter of fact, Make-in-India has been a reality for the French industry for many years, particularly for defence equipment such as helicopters, missiles, submarines, aircraft engines and others. Our relations in this area date back to India's Independence and are being continuously strengthened. Today our strategic partnership is the strongest and closest we have in the Asia-Pacific region," Ziegler said.
He said the bilateral strategic partnership was enhanced further by President France Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in March last year.
"This visit was a great success in many respect and one of the areas of convergence of views between our leaders was the necessity to strengthen our manufacturing partnership in the industrial sector, particularly, in aerospace and defence, as clearly stated in their Joint Statement," he said.
"This political support at the highest level of both States provided the industries of both countries the best possible high-level framework for deepening their industrial relations in defence as well as the civilian aerospace sectors," he said.
"You can count on our full political support for this and we are looking forward to further exchanges with the new Indian government in this respect," Ziegler said.
He said Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, French minister of state for Europe and Foreign Affairs, was in Delhi recently to discuss the next possible steps in the bilateral strategic partnership with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
"Other high level visits in India or in France will indeed occur in the weeks and months to come. Most importantly, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has accepted an invitation from President Macron to attend the outreach session of G7 Summit in France as a special invitee at the end of August. The event will of course also include a bilateral Indo-French component," he said.
"French industrial facilities in India, big and small, which we are strongly supporting, are indeed flourishing, and this is good news, especially because more and more Indian companies are also investing in France, like for instance Motherson, which is here with us today. We are also strongly supporting this investment from India in France as our strategic partnership is a two-way partnership, between partners and friends," he said.
French Rafale jets and Indian Su-30MKI jointly participate in Garuda VI exercise
June 2019 news defense aviation aerospace air force industry Posted On Wednesday, 26 June 2019 15:30
On Tuesday, June 25, the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that four Sukhoi-30MKI (Su-30MKI) fighters departed from India to France in order to participate in the Garuda VI exercise with aircraft of the French Air Force, including the Dassault Rafale.
A Rafale of the French Air Force and a Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force during Garuda V in 2014 (Picture Source: French MoD)
This is the sixth edition of the Garuda series of exercises that the Indian and French Air Forces hold together. While the Indian Air Force and Navy have held exercises with the Rafale in the past, the sixth edition of Garuda is significant as the first batch of 36 Rafale jets for the IAF is scheduled to arrive in September 2019.
In a brief video about the exercise, Air Commodore M. Ranade revealed that four Su-30MKI fighters, two C-17 transport aircraft and one Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker would depart from the Air Force Station at Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Ranade noted the aim of the exercise was to “learn lessons of best practices that each air force has to offer”.
While the Il-78 would refuel the fighters on their long journey to France, the C-17s will carry equipment, spares and personnel for the maintenance of the Su-30MKI fighters during the exercise. Garuda VI is scheduled to begin from July 1 and continue till July 14. The Garuda series of exercises have been held alternatively in India and France since 2003.
The first edition of Garuda was held in Gwalior in 2003 and second in Istres Air Force Base in France in 2005. The second edition of Garuda was the first exercise the Indian Air Force participated in in Europe. The third (2007) and fifth editions of Garuda (2014) were held in Kalaikunda and Jodhpur airbases, respectively. In the fourth edition of Garuda, held at Istres in 2010, Indian and French aircraft refuelled from each other's tankers, highlighting increased operating synergy.
The Su-30MKI, designed in Russia, is numerically the most important aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Nearly 250 Su-30MKI fighters are serving in the Indian Air Force.
The Rafale is a newer design than the Su-30MKI and features more advanced electronics, weapons and design features to reduce its detection by radar. Ironically, one of the requirements submitted by the French Air Force in the early 1980s to Dassault when designing the Rafale was the need to defeat in aerial combat the Soviet Union's MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. The Su-27 was the basis of the design of the Su-30MKI.
French Rafale jets and Indian Su-30MKI jointly participate in Garuda VI exercise
June 2019 news defense aviation aerospace air force industry Posted On Wednesday, 26 June 2019 15:30
On Tuesday, June 25, the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that four Sukhoi-30MKI (Su-30MKI) fighters departed from India to France in order to participate in the Garuda VI exercise with aircraft of the French Air Force, including the Dassault Rafale.
A Rafale of the French Air Force and a Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force during Garuda V in 2014 (Picture Source: French MoD)
This is the sixth edition of the Garuda series of exercises that the Indian and French Air Forces hold together. While the Indian Air Force and Navy have held exercises with the Rafale in the past, the sixth edition of Garuda is significant as the first batch of 36 Rafale jets for the IAF is scheduled to arrive in September 2019.
In a brief video about the exercise, Air Commodore M. Ranade revealed that four Su-30MKI fighters, two C-17 transport aircraft and one Il-78 aerial refuelling tanker would depart from the Air Force Station at Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Ranade noted the aim of the exercise was to “learn lessons of best practices that each air force has to offer”.
While the Il-78 would refuel the fighters on their long journey to France, the C-17s will carry equipment, spares and personnel for the maintenance of the Su-30MKI fighters during the exercise. Garuda VI is scheduled to begin from July 1 and continue till July 14. The Garuda series of exercises have been held alternatively in India and France since 2003.
The first edition of Garuda was held in Gwalior in 2003 and second in Istres Air Force Base in France in 2005. The second edition of Garuda was the first exercise the Indian Air Force participated in in Europe. The third (2007) and fifth editions of Garuda (2014) were held in Kalaikunda and Jodhpur airbases, respectively. In the fourth edition of Garuda, held at Istres in 2010, Indian and French aircraft refuelled from each other's tankers, highlighting increased operating synergy.
The Su-30MKI, designed in Russia, is numerically the most important aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Nearly 250 Su-30MKI fighters are serving in the Indian Air Force.
The Rafale is a newer design than the Su-30MKI and features more advanced electronics, weapons and design features to reduce its detection by radar. Ironically, one of the requirements submitted by the French Air Force in the early 1980s to Dassault when designing the Rafale was the need to defeat in aerial combat the Soviet Union's MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. The Su-27 was the basis of the design of the Su-30MKI.
French Rafale jets and Indian Su-30MKI jointly participate in Garuda VI exercise
Finally this high-tech collaboration seems to be going somewhere. On the other hand if this get built, operationalised and commercialized in time, Gulf is fooked.
India-built cryostat base ready for installation in France
The biggest fusion machine in history, counting at least one million pieces of equipment, aims to complete through first plasma in 2025 -- the first stage of operation for ITER as a functional machine.
Updated: Jul 22, 2019, 17:32 PM IST
Source: IANS
New Delhi: An India-built cryostat base and lower cylinder are ready for installation in the $25 billion International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) that is under construction in France, it was announced on Saturday.
ITER -- a project proving that fusion power can be produced sustainably on a commercial scale -- is now 65 per cent ready.
The biggest fusion machine in history, counting at least one million pieces of equipment, aims to complete through first plasma in 2025 -- the first stage of operation for ITER as a functional machine.
The ITER Organization, together with its Indian domestic agency, will complete a major project milestone on July 23 in completing fabrication of the cryostat base and lower cylinder -- a key component of the world's most complex machine coming up in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, some 35 km north of Aix-en-Provence in southern France.
"The fabrication of this component has been an unprecedented engineering challenge and achievement in terms of both its massive size and its intricate specifications," ITER Director-General Bernard Bigot said in a statement.
What is fusion? It is the same process producing the Sun's energy that gives Earth its light and warmth.
ITER will use hydrogen fusion, controlled by superconducting magnets, to produce massive heat energy without emitting carbon dioxide, meaning it is environment friendly compared to the fossil fuels.
The magnets, the largest in the world, control and shape the hydrogen plasma where the hydrogen nuclei are heated and fused at 150 million degrees.
The cryostat chamber houses the vacuum vessel and magnets in an ultra-cool, vacuum environment.
Manufactured by India, the ITER cryostat is 16,000 cubic meters. Its diameter and height are both almost 30 meters and it weighs 3,850 tonnes.
Because of its bulk, it is being fabricated in four main sections: the base, lower cylinder, upper cylinder and top lid.
More than 50 pieces are being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro at their industrial facilities in Hazira, north of Mumbai.
"We have always worked hand-in-hand with ITER team and fulfilled all the commitments in delivering equipment of the project to maintain overall schedule of ITER programme," L&T Heavy Engineering Executive Vice President Anil Parab told IANS.
He said the company has already handed over two sections ahead of their requirement in pit and is also planning to deliver the remaining two sections ahead of their scheduled delivery.
At ITER, cryostat assembly demonstrates multinationalism at work, featuring expert welders from MAN, a German contractor, supervised by ITER-India, under French safety regulations, on an international site owned and operated by all seven ITER members -- China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US.
The July 23 event will mark the completion of two of the four main sections: the cryostat base and lower cylinder, essentially completing more than 60 per cent of this massive component. Amongst the guests, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, Anil Kakodkar, will attend the event.
Designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power, ITER will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility.
Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars: when light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, abundant and environmentally-responsible energy source.
ITER is also a first-of-a-kind global collaboration. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six members of this joint international venture (China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US), will contribute equally to the rest.
India-built cryostat base ready for installation in France
India-built cryostat base ready for installation in France
The biggest fusion machine in history, counting at least one million pieces of equipment, aims to complete through first plasma in 2025 -- the first stage of operation for ITER as a functional machine.
Updated: Jul 22, 2019, 17:32 PM IST
Source: IANS
New Delhi: An India-built cryostat base and lower cylinder are ready for installation in the $25 billion International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) that is under construction in France, it was announced on Saturday.
ITER -- a project proving that fusion power can be produced sustainably on a commercial scale -- is now 65 per cent ready.
The biggest fusion machine in history, counting at least one million pieces of equipment, aims to complete through first plasma in 2025 -- the first stage of operation for ITER as a functional machine.
The ITER Organization, together with its Indian domestic agency, will complete a major project milestone on July 23 in completing fabrication of the cryostat base and lower cylinder -- a key component of the world's most complex machine coming up in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, some 35 km north of Aix-en-Provence in southern France.
"The fabrication of this component has been an unprecedented engineering challenge and achievement in terms of both its massive size and its intricate specifications," ITER Director-General Bernard Bigot said in a statement.
What is fusion? It is the same process producing the Sun's energy that gives Earth its light and warmth.
ITER will use hydrogen fusion, controlled by superconducting magnets, to produce massive heat energy without emitting carbon dioxide, meaning it is environment friendly compared to the fossil fuels.
The magnets, the largest in the world, control and shape the hydrogen plasma where the hydrogen nuclei are heated and fused at 150 million degrees.
The cryostat chamber houses the vacuum vessel and magnets in an ultra-cool, vacuum environment.
Manufactured by India, the ITER cryostat is 16,000 cubic meters. Its diameter and height are both almost 30 meters and it weighs 3,850 tonnes.
Because of its bulk, it is being fabricated in four main sections: the base, lower cylinder, upper cylinder and top lid.
More than 50 pieces are being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro at their industrial facilities in Hazira, north of Mumbai.
"We have always worked hand-in-hand with ITER team and fulfilled all the commitments in delivering equipment of the project to maintain overall schedule of ITER programme," L&T Heavy Engineering Executive Vice President Anil Parab told IANS.
He said the company has already handed over two sections ahead of their requirement in pit and is also planning to deliver the remaining two sections ahead of their scheduled delivery.
At ITER, cryostat assembly demonstrates multinationalism at work, featuring expert welders from MAN, a German contractor, supervised by ITER-India, under French safety regulations, on an international site owned and operated by all seven ITER members -- China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US.
The July 23 event will mark the completion of two of the four main sections: the cryostat base and lower cylinder, essentially completing more than 60 per cent of this massive component. Amongst the guests, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, Anil Kakodkar, will attend the event.
Designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power, ITER will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility.
Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars: when light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, abundant and environmentally-responsible energy source.
ITER is also a first-of-a-kind global collaboration. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six members of this joint international venture (China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the US), will contribute equally to the rest.
India-built cryostat base ready for installation in France
India, France to finalise plans for cybersecurity cooperation
The two countries will explore new areas of cooperation such as artificial intelligence, super-computing, and developing digital technology.
by Samaya Dharmaraj
21 August, 2019
India and France are expected to finalise an agreement that will enable the countries to work more closely in the areas of digital and cyber security, when the Indian Prime Minister meets the French President in Paris on 22 August.
The countries will also explore new areas of cooperation such as artificial intelligence, super-computing, and developing digital technology among others, reports have said.
As the quantity and value of electronic information has increased, so have business models and efforts of criminals, that use the cyberspace as a convenient and profitable way of carrying out their activities anonymously. Hence, the security of India’s cyberspace has become an important part of the national agenda.
The two sides are likely to sign a pact on maritime surveillance. News reports noted that both countries have planned the launch of 8-10 satellites as part of a “constellation” for maritime surveillance in the region. This will be India’s largest space cooperation with any country so far.
The French Space Agency (CNES) will collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set up a maritime surveillance centre in the country.
Several crucial sea lanes of communications pass through the Indian Ocean, a region critical to the strategic interests of India and France. While the Indian Ocean region is the prime focus for New Delhi, Paris has its territories spread across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) said that discussions are expected to broadly focus on reaffirming France and India as key strategic and like-minded partners. It will strengthen their defence partnerships including future defence acquisitions, progress on the setting up of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project, convergent strategic, political priorities in the Indo-Pacific, and related operational needs.
According to the MEA, India and France have had traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is emblematic of their convergence of views on a range of international issues apart from a close and growing bilateral relationship.
The areas of defence, space, and civil nuclear cooperation constitute the three principal pillars of India’s strategic partnership. Apart from these traditional fields, India and France are increasingly engaged in new areas of cooperation like climate change, sustainable growth and development, and the International Solar Alliance, etc.
India and France support a multi-polar world order. France has continued to support India’s claim for permanent membership of the Security Council and the reforms of the United Nations. France has provided consistent support to India’s candidature for the membership of all the four multilateral export control regimes. These are the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), and the Australia Group (AG).
India, France to finalise plans for cybersecurity cooperation
The two countries will explore new areas of cooperation such as artificial intelligence, super-computing, and developing digital technology.
by Samaya Dharmaraj
21 August, 2019
India and France are expected to finalise an agreement that will enable the countries to work more closely in the areas of digital and cyber security, when the Indian Prime Minister meets the French President in Paris on 22 August.
The countries will also explore new areas of cooperation such as artificial intelligence, super-computing, and developing digital technology among others, reports have said.
As the quantity and value of electronic information has increased, so have business models and efforts of criminals, that use the cyberspace as a convenient and profitable way of carrying out their activities anonymously. Hence, the security of India’s cyberspace has become an important part of the national agenda.
The two sides are likely to sign a pact on maritime surveillance. News reports noted that both countries have planned the launch of 8-10 satellites as part of a “constellation” for maritime surveillance in the region. This will be India’s largest space cooperation with any country so far.
The French Space Agency (CNES) will collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set up a maritime surveillance centre in the country.
Several crucial sea lanes of communications pass through the Indian Ocean, a region critical to the strategic interests of India and France. While the Indian Ocean region is the prime focus for New Delhi, Paris has its territories spread across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) said that discussions are expected to broadly focus on reaffirming France and India as key strategic and like-minded partners. It will strengthen their defence partnerships including future defence acquisitions, progress on the setting up of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project, convergent strategic, political priorities in the Indo-Pacific, and related operational needs.
According to the MEA, India and France have had traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is emblematic of their convergence of views on a range of international issues apart from a close and growing bilateral relationship.
The areas of defence, space, and civil nuclear cooperation constitute the three principal pillars of India’s strategic partnership. Apart from these traditional fields, India and France are increasingly engaged in new areas of cooperation like climate change, sustainable growth and development, and the International Solar Alliance, etc.
India and France support a multi-polar world order. France has continued to support India’s claim for permanent membership of the Security Council and the reforms of the United Nations. France has provided consistent support to India’s candidature for the membership of all the four multilateral export control regimes. These are the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), and the Australia Group (AG).
India, France to finalise plans for cybersecurity cooperation