NSA Doval, French Defence Minister discuss measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation

New Delhi, Oct 1: India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, held wide-ranging talks with French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu during his visit to France, according to a message from the Indian Embassy in France posted on X.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, advancing space collaboration, and exchanging views on global geopolitical developments.

In a separate message, the Indian Embassy noted that NSA Doval and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, co-led a Strategic Dialogue in Paris.

This high-level meeting, the Embassy stated, is a key pillar of the India-France strategic partnership, characterised by mutual trust and high ambitions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue also covered a wide range of issues, including cyber and space cooperation.

The talks between Doval and Lecornu occurred amid ongoing discussions about India’s potential purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets from France, a deal that would see the jets deployed on India’s INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.

According to media reports, the French government, led by President Macron, recently submitted a final price offer to India. Sources cited by ANI indicated that the French side had offered significant price reductions following intense negotiations.

After the meeting with Doval, Minister Lecornuhighlighted on X the range of topics discussed, including the Rafale Marine jets, Scorpene submarines, and space cooperation. He also noted that the talks touched on the broader international situation, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.