India and France agree to set up ‘joint surveillance missions’ in Indian Ocean
- India and France have agreed to intensify their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on the “joint surveillance missions carried out from French La Reunion in 2020 and 2022
Key Highlights
- France is the first major Western military power with which India has conducted joint patrols
- Under which Indian Navy P-8I maritime patrol aircraft were deployed to the French island territory of La Reunion.
- They also welcomed the extension of those interactions in India’s maritime neighbourhood.
- The two countries have also committed to “revitalising” the trilateral cooperation with Australia, deepen the one with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explore new ones in the region.
- In this regard, the joint statement noted the establishment of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for LEAP engines in India by Safran
- The plans to add MRO for Rafale engines, a comprehensive helicopter partnership with a joint venture for Indian Multi-Role helicopter (IMRH) engine between HAL and Safran
- And the additional Scorpene submarines constructed in India, including indigenisation.
- Jet engine deal with France will give 100% access to technology, says Indian envoy
Space Co-operation
- In the realm of space cooperation, the two countries had launched the Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023 to provide “strategic guidance and direction” across all aspects of space cooperation.
Prelims Takeaway
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
- Joint Surveillance Missions