Indian and French Navy Conduct 17th Staff Talks, Focus on Naval Activities and Cooperation Opportunities

The 17th Indian Navy (IN) and French Navy (FN) discussed ongoing naval actions as well as future channels of cooperation, such as operational, training, and subject matter expert exchanges.
The 17th Indian Navy and French Navy personnel discussions took place in the national capital from February 6 to 7.

The conference was co-chaired by Rear Adm Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence, and Rear Adm Jean-Marc Durandau, Director of International Engagements, French Navy.

“Broadening the scope of naval engagements, the Staff Talks encompassed fruitful discussions on ongoing naval activities & new avenues of cooperation including operational, training & Subject Matter Expert exchanges,” the Indian Navy shared a post on X.

Furthermore, both parties actively participated in the talks.
According to the Indian Navy’s statement, both parties recognized the increased cooperation between the two militaries and pledged to strengthen collaboration and interoperability in the maritime domain.
Meanwhile, on the margins of the staff talks, Rear Adm Jean-Marc Durandau, Director International Engagements, FN, met with Vice Adm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, on February 7.

They emphasized the Indian Navy’s strong coordination and interoperability with the French Navy.
He also paid a visit to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC IOR) on February 6.
The Indian Navy hosts the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which was formed in 2018 by the Government of India to address the need for collaboration in maritime safety and security.