India and France have agreed to deepen cooperation against piracy, maritime terrorism and illegal activities in the Indo-Pacific region….reports Asian Lite News
India and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination in the maritime security domain during the 8th India France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in Paris on May 20, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
The dialogue was co chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor at India’s National Security Council Secretariat, along with Guillaume Ollagnier and Claire Raulin from the French side.
According to the MEA, discussions focused on enhancing operational cooperation to counter a range of maritime threats, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The two sides also discussed emerging hybrid threats and reviewed ways to strengthen collaboration in securing critical maritime routes.
India and France exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and the Indian Ocean region, reflecting what the MEA described as “strong strategic convergence” between the two nations.
Both countries reiterated their shared vision for a free, open, inclusive and rules based Indo-Pacific region, grounded in international law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation.
The dialogue also served as an opportunity to review progress made following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in February 2026, as well as the outcomes of the January 2026 talks between the National Security Advisers of the two countries.
The MEA said both sides agreed to further consolidate and expand the India France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
President Macron had visited India from February 17 to 19 this year at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, during which he also attended the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026.
Earlier this year, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne co chaired the 38th India France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on January 13.
