The 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue took place in New Delhi today, co-chaired by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor of India, and Ms. Alice Rufo, Director General for International Relations and Strategy at the French Ministry for the Armed Forces. The dialogue focused on enhancing collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the importance of maritime security as a cornerstone of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
During the discussions, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and supporting multilateralism. They emphasized the significance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity while ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. The dialogue highlighted the shared vision of India and France for a free and open Indian Ocean, first articulated in the ‘Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ in 2018.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the agreement to bolster cooperation in securing sea lanes of communication. Both countries expressed their intent to collaborate through their maritime assets and organizations. France welcomed the Indian Navy’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces and expressed anticipation for India’s leadership in relevant Combined Task Forces.
The dialogue also addressed the need for a joint assessment of maritime security threats in the region. India and France committed to countering various illicit maritime activities, including piracy, armed robbery, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as hybrid and cyber security threats and marine pollution.
To enhance their cooperative efforts, both nations agreed to strengthen existing mechanisms, particularly through improved information exchange. This includes collaboration between the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram, the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles, and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar. The aim is to explore coordinated surveillance opportunities while deployed to address maritime security threats.
In addition to security concerns, India and France expressed a joint commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of oceanic resources. They agreed to work together to preserve marine resources in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly through initiatives linked to the United Nations Ocean Conference. Both countries acknowledged the progress made in biodiversity and blue economy discussions during their last bilateral dialogue on ocean governance and committed to pursuing regional cooperation as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
The outcomes of this dialogue reflect the deepening ties between India and France, particularly in the context of maritime security and environmental sustainability. As both nations navigate the complexities of the Indian Ocean Region, their collaborative efforts are poised to play a crucial role in ensuring stability and security while promoting sustainable practices in ocean governance.
