Shri Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, successfully concluded his extensive European tour with a momentous meeting in the heart of Paris, engaging with France’s Minister of Armed Forces, Mr. Sebastien Lecornu. The 5th Annual Defence Dialogue held between these two distinguished ministers was characterized by in-depth conversations spanning a wide spectrum of defense cooperation.
During the meeting, the ministers conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the current regional security landscape, underscoring the paramount significance of strategic collaboration between India and France in response to evolving global challenges. The discussions delved into a review of ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a firm emphasis on bolstering these vital partnerships.
Moreover, both ministers explored strategies to amplify defense industrial cooperation between India and France, recognizing the substantial mutual benefits that such collaboration can yield. A dedicated review of ongoing defense projects took place, all with the overarching aim of ensuring their successful execution while staying aligned with strategic objectives.
The discussions extended to exploring potential collaborations in specialized domains such as space, cyber, and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the shared vision to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the realm of defense.
Prior to the meeting, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was conducted at the French Ministry of Defence, serving as a symbolic gesture of the enduring and robust ties between the two nations.
Shri Rajnath Singh also made a significant visit to the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre in Gennevilliers, where he had the opportunity to witness the latest advancements in aero-engine technology. This visit further cemented the defense ties between India and France.
During his stay in Paris on October 10, 2023, Shri Rajnath Singh actively engaged with the Indian community, strengthening cultural and diaspora connections.
In the initial leg of his European tour, Shri Rajnath Singh held pivotal discussions with the Italian Defence Minister, Mr. Guido Crosetto, in Rome. This culminated in a noteworthy Agreement on Cooperation in the field of defense, a pact designed to promote bilateral collaboration across a wide spectrum of defense domains.
The agreement, reached in Rome, encompassed areas such as security and defense policy, research and development, military education, maritime domain awareness, information sharing in defense, and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production, and joint ventures.
While in Rome, the Indian Defence Minister also met with the CEOs and leaders of prominent Italian defense companies, fostering opportunities for collaborative ventures and forging deeper ties between the defense industries of both nations.