The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has successfully concluded an extensive visit to France, which has once again confirmed the enduring strategic partnership between India and France, further strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
During the visit, General Chauhan engaged in fruitful discussions with Mr. Patrick Pailloux, Director of Civil & Military Cabinet of the Minister of the French Armed Forces, and Lt. Gen. Vincent Giraud, Chief of Military Cabinet of the Minister of the Armed Forces, as well as with his counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard (CEMA), exchanging views on shared interests and mutual security challenges.
The discussions at France’s Directorate General of Armament aimed at enhancing the exchange of high-end dual-use technologies, followed by meetings with key figures from the French defense industry such as Dassault, Safran, Naval Groups, Thales Alenia Space, focused on bolstering the futuristic capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, thereby promoting indigenous defense capabilities.
Engagements with the French Land Forces Command (CFT), the French Space Command (CDE), and the School of Military Studies (Ecole Militaire) facilitated discussions on security challenges from India’s perspective, while also exploring avenues for enhancing defense cooperation in space, modernization initiatives, and bilateral training.
General Chauhan also paid homage at the War Memorials of Neuve-Chapelle and Villers-Guislain, honoring the bravery of soldiers of the Indian Expeditionary Force who fought on the Western Front during the First World War, contributing to regional peace and stability and underscoring the enduring Indo-French relationship.
The India-France Strategic Partnership, gaining momentum over time, has evolved into a closer and more comprehensive relationship spanning various areas of cooperation.
