- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:48 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
As part of the India-France Strategic Dialogue, during a meeting in Paris on Tuesday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval discussed geopolitical issues, including the Ukraine war and the Israeli conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, in efforts to promote peace.
Doval also discussed India's plans to acquire French aircraft and submarines for its navy during meetings with Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, and French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Additionally, sources confirmed that France had agreed to a "substantial reduction" in the cost of purchasing 26 Rafale-M fighter jets.
"NSA Ajit Doval calls on French President @EmmanuelMacron. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings. Reiterated commitment to implement the India-France Horizon 2047 roadmap," the Indian embassy in France said in a post on X.
NSA Ajit Doval calls on 🇫🇷President HE @EmmanuelMacron
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) October 1, 2024
Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s greetings. Reiterated commitment to implement the 🇮🇳🇫🇷Horizon 2047 roadmap.
President stressed the value of 🇮🇳🇫🇷efforts to advance peace and address global challenges; appreciated PM Modi’s… pic.twitter.com/ALbTtqdB7E
Ajit Doval also discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France. The Macron government expressed strong support for India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, offering to manufacture Rafale fighter jets and Safran engines in India with full transfer of technology. Additionally, France is willing to collaborate with India on nuclear submarines, cybersecurity, and military satellites in space.
Doval Discusses Rafale Deal In Paris
Officials from Paris and New Delhi have stated that President Macron views India as capable of playing a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hezbollah war. This belief stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's established trust with both President Putin and President Zelensky, following several discussions and phone calls with them.
Ajit Doval also met with French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and advancing collaboration in space, as well as exchanging views on the changing international geopolitical landscape.
Sources indicate that Ajit Doval is in Paris to discuss the Rafale deal following France's submission of the final detailed proposal for the Indian Navy's fighter aircraft. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already approved the purchase, marking a major step toward strengthening India's naval capabilities.