New Delhi, December 4: India and France have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding naval cooperation, highlighting joint efforts ranging from advanced military platforms to coordinated operations across the Indo-Pacific. Officials said the partnership is evolving into one of the most trusted maritime collaborations in the region.
A key element of the strengthening ties is the planned induction of Rafale Marine fighter jets for India’s aircraft carriers, a move expected to enhance India’s blue-water capabilities and bolster its strategic autonomy. The aircraft, designed for carrier-based operations, are set to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s long-range maritime strike and surveillance capacity.
Both nations are also intensifying engagement through the Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, a structured mechanism that addresses regional security challenges, emerging threats, and opportunities for joint operational planning.
Indian and French naval forces already conduct multiple bilateral exercises, including the well-known Varuna series, and frequently participate in coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean Region. Officials noted that these efforts reinforce interoperability between the two navies and support shared goals of maintaining stability in strategic sea lanes.
The collaboration aligns with the broader vision of ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, an area increasingly central to global trade and geopolitical competition. Both sides emphasised that cooperative security frameworks, rule-of-law principles, and joint readiness are essential for preserving regional balance.
With the Indo-Pacific witnessing shifting power equations and new maritime challenges, India and France reiterated that their partnership will continue to evolve with a focus on defence technology, maritime domain awareness, and operational coordination.
