India & France take stock of cooperation in defence, space and civil nuclear energy
| 2024-03-05
The India-France Foreign Office Consultations being held in New Delhi on March 5, 2024.
The ambitious India France Horizon 2047 Roadmap was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France in July, 2023
Undertaking a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of bilateral cooperation, India and France held their latest Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on March 5, 2024.
The FOC was co-chaired by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Anne-Marie Descôtes.
During the meeting, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of bilateral cooperation, as outlined in the ambitious India France Horizon 2047 Roadmap, adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to France as Guest of Honour at the French National Day on July 14, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The discussions at the FOC were preceded by two equally significant dialogues - the 2nd meeting of the Strategic Space Dialogue and the India-France ‘Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Dialogue’ on March 4, 2024. Additionally, Descôtes's courtesy call on External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further highlighted the importance of high-level engagements in fostering closer bilateral ties.
"Good to receive Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France this morning. Our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance its momentum," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
The breadth of discussions during the FOC was extensive, encompassing vital areas of cooperation.
According to information released by the MEA, the talks covered defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, Science and Tech, UNSC reforms and multilateral cooperation, blue economy, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.
In addition, the dialogue extended to global and regional affairs, notably on Indo-Pacific, climate action, energy transition, health, trilateral and plurilateral forms of cooperation, and key challenges including the situation in Gaza and Red Sea and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The MEA described the FOC as a pivotal bilateral mechanism that provides cohesiveness to all the existing India-France exchanges. "Overall, this meeting provided an opportunity to review actions across multifaceted ties between India and France, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration on shared priorities and challenges," it added.
As India and France navigate the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape, their strengthened partnership through platforms like the FOC offers a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous geopolitical outline. The deliberations in New Delhi have set a dynamic course for the future, promising enhanced cooperation and a deepened strategic alliance between these two global powers.
The FOC was co-chaired by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Anne-Marie Descôtes.
During the meeting, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of bilateral cooperation, as outlined in the ambitious India France Horizon 2047 Roadmap, adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to France as Guest of Honour at the French National Day on July 14, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The discussions at the FOC were preceded by two equally significant dialogues - the 2nd meeting of the Strategic Space Dialogue and the India-France ‘Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Dialogue’ on March 4, 2024. Additionally, Descôtes's courtesy call on External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further highlighted the importance of high-level engagements in fostering closer bilateral ties.
"Good to receive Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France this morning. Our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance its momentum," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
The breadth of discussions during the FOC was extensive, encompassing vital areas of cooperation.
According to information released by the MEA, the talks covered defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, Science and Tech, UNSC reforms and multilateral cooperation, blue economy, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.
In addition, the dialogue extended to global and regional affairs, notably on Indo-Pacific, climate action, energy transition, health, trilateral and plurilateral forms of cooperation, and key challenges including the situation in Gaza and Red Sea and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The MEA described the FOC as a pivotal bilateral mechanism that provides cohesiveness to all the existing India-France exchanges. "Overall, this meeting provided an opportunity to review actions across multifaceted ties between India and France, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration on shared priorities and challenges," it added.
As India and France navigate the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape, their strengthened partnership through platforms like the FOC offers a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous geopolitical outline. The deliberations in New Delhi have set a dynamic course for the future, promising enhanced cooperation and a deepened strategic alliance between these two global powers.
Kerala Initiates Probe into 2006 Suicide Case Involving CEC
The Kerala government has ordered a vigilance investigation following a 2006 suicide incident linked to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
| 2026-10-04
Extradition of Sheikh Hasina Feasible, Says Indian High Commissioner
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh claims Sheikh Hasina's extradition is possible through a structured process, fostering bilateral cooperation.
| 2026-10-04
Punjabi Makeup Artist Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar
Influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was fatally shot in Amritsar. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
| 2026-10-04
India Achieves Fourth Place at Asian Games 2026 Through Late Success
India secured fourth place in the Asian Games 2026 medals tally, boosted by impressive performances in key sports such as boxing and archery.
| 2026-10-04
Pakistan Requests Indian Diplomat's Presence Over Border Incident
Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat to protest the alleged killing of two citizens by the Border Security Force.
| 2026-10-04