India, France affirm closer defence ties in 20th Joint Staff talks in Paris

Paris [France], April 14 (ANI): Amid growing defence collaborations between India and France, the 20th edition of Joint Staff talks between the two countries took place during April 12-13 with a focus on strengthening bilateral defence engagement.
The Ministry of Defence in an official statement said that the 20th edition of the India-France Joint Staff talks was held in Paris on April 12-13, 2022. Discussions focused on new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanisms and strengthening ongoing defence engagements.
The meeting was co-chaired by Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff and Air Vice Marshal B Manikantan and Head of Bilateral Cooperation South/Staff HQ Brigadier General Eric Peltier. The Ministry stated that the meeting took place in a friendly, warm and cordial atmosphere.

The India-France Joint Staff talks is a forum established to enhance defence cooperation between both nations through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels.
In a telephonic conversation held in January 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed a range of issues of mutual interest and agreed on keeping in touch and enhancing all-around strategic cooperation between India and France, including in the areas of defence.
France is fast growing as India's partner in defence cooperation. (ANI)