India and France reaffirm commitment to Maritime Security at 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue
NEW DELHI : India and France reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) during the 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, held in New Delhi on January 14, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor of India, and Alice Rufo, Director General for International Relations and Strategy at France’s Ministry for the Armed Forces.
Shared Vision for a Free and Open Indian Ocean
“Both sides discussed enhancing their cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their shared vision for maritime security, a key element of the India – France Strategic Partnership,” said a Joint Declaration shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday (January 20, 2025).
Both sides emphasized the importance of a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in the IOR. Recalling their ‘Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ outlined in 2018, they pledged to support secure sea lanes and respect for international law. France welcomed India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and expressed support for India’s anticipated leadership in appropriate task forces.
India and France agreed to a joint assessment of threats to maritime security, focusing on issues such as:
Piracy and Armed Robbery: Countering threats to maritime assets.
Maritime Terrorism and Contraband Smuggling : Addressing illicit activities affecting regional security.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. Combating threats to sustainable fishing practices.
Hybrid and Cybersecurity Threats : Tackling emerging risks to maritime infrastructure.
Marine Pollution: Collaborating on solutions to protect marine ecosystems.
The nations also committed to strengthening the exchange of information between the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, India, and France-supported regional centers in Seychelles and Madagascar. This coordination aims to enhance real-time situational awareness and coordinated surveillance.
Joint Naval Exercises and Growing Defence Ties
The dialogue builds on the momentum of recent bilateral naval exercises. Last week, the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, conducted joint drills with the Indian Navy off Goa and Kochi as part of Mission Clemenceau 25.
These exercises showcased interoperability through:
Tactical maneuvers between French and Indian warships.
Aerial operations, involving Indian Sukhoi and Jaguar jets alongside French Rafale Marines.
Cross-deck helicopter operations.
Replenishment-at-sea activities, strengthening operational readiness.
These drills symbolize the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, which has matured over 27 years, with defense cooperation as a cornerstone.
Conservation and the Blue Economy
India and France highlighted their joint commitment to marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. They agreed to continue their collaboration under the United Nations Ocean Conference and regional frameworks like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Both nations welcomed progress made during the recent bilateral dialogue on the blue economy and ocean governance and agreed to expand cooperation at the regional level.
Mission Clemenceau 25 and Regional Focus
The French CSG’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Region as part of Mission Clemenceau 25 additionally supports the maintenance of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Following the joint exercises with India, the CSG will proceed to the Indonesian archipelago to participate in Exercise La Perouse, a multilateral maritime drill.
Discussions during the dialogue included the broader Indo-Pacific strategy, bilateral defence cooperation, and leveraging France’s unique status as a fully-fledged Indian Ocean State with territories like La Réunion and Mayotte.
India and France have built a robust defence partnership over the decades, characterized by land, air, and naval exercises, including Shakti, Garuda, and Varuna. These multi-domain engagements underline a shared commitment to regional security and global stability.
As part of their collaboration, France has extended logistical and operational support to Indian Navy ships, with 16 French Navy stopovers at Indian ports since 2022. The partnership continues to grow with enhanced engagement in cyber security, hybrid threats, and regional capacity building.
Conclusion
The 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue reaffirmed the shared vision of India and France for a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region. By addressing traditional and emerging maritime challenges, the two nations aim to build a collaborative framework that promotes peace, sustainability, and economic growth.
This enduring partnership, strengthened by joint naval exercises and strategic discussions, underscores India and France’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive maritime domain. With the upcoming Varuna naval exercise later this year, the foundation is set for deeper defense ties and greater regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.