Panaji: French Ambassador to
India Emmanuel Lenain on Saturday said when India is looking to
diversify its suppliers then France is a "great option" and also
committed to making available to Indian forces the best technologies
without restrictions.
"Our governments at the
top level have really understood the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat And we
really want to be partner in that process to build a National
Industrial base for defence industries in India. And we understand that
also because we are a highly independent country and we've been through
that process also. I mean India is looking to diversify its suppliers
and obviously, I think that France is a great option and we're working
on major equipment cooperation together," Lenain said when asked whether
France can replace Russia as a defence supplier.
The
French envoy stressed his country is committed to making available the
best technologies to Indian forces without restrictions and France will
not only support for make in India, but also come forward to co-develop
and co-produce equipment.
Speaking about the relations between
the two countries, Lenain said, "Obviously, we have great cooperation
and on strategic issues with India, there's a greater level of trust
that makes it possible for countries to commit over years or decades and
to launch success defence equipment program so that is for sure. And we
have seen many in the last years successful delivery of 36 Rafale for
the Air Force, and we have seen many offers."
The
French Navy's carrier strike group, including the nuclear-powered
aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, is currently on a deployment in the
Indian Ocean. The carrier strike group carried out a large-scale
"Varuna" air-sea joint exercise with Indian Navy from January 16 to 20.
From
January 21, Charles de Gaulle makes a port call in Goa. According to
the official statement released by France Embassy, the French Carrier
Strike Group, comprising the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de
Gaulle, is deployed in the Indian Ocean under the ANTARES mission.
This
joint deployment in the Indian Ocean contributes to ensuring stability
in this region in line with France and India's shared approach of
collective security based on respect for international law at sea and in
the air.
A
major annual aero-naval event whose first edition dates back to 1983,
"VARUNA" bears witness to the ability of the French and the Indian
Navies to deploy and operate together and exemplifies the high level of
trust between France and India, according to the statement.
The
2023 edition holds special significance as France and India embark on a
year of celebrations of the 25th anniversary of their strategic
partnership and work towards an ambitious agenda for renewing, expanding
and deepening this partnership.
Speaking about the Indo-Pacific region, Rear-Admiral Emmanuel Slaars,
Joint Commander of French Forces said, "Our aim is to make sure that
international law is respected by everyone in every place. It's really
great to work with Indian Navy which is committed to ensure that
international law is respected and fight illicit trafficking at sea.
