New Delhi, Mar 10 : As “leaders of two strong democracies with vital interests” in the Indian Ocean Region, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid emphasis on the multi-dimensional India-France strategic partnership and said both sides will play key role in ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.
In a Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, both the countries in effect tried to deal with the challenges thrown by China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region and sought to widen the scope of ties aiming to establish an open, inclusive and transparent cooperation architecture.
“France and India have shared concerns with regard to the emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean Region that include: maritime traffic security in the face of the threats of terrorism and piracy, especially in the Horn of Africa; respect of international law by all States” – especially with regard freedom of navigation and overflight,” the Joint Strategic Vision said.
The India-France partnership will also help fight organized crime, trafficking, including in weapons of mass destruction, smuggling and illegal fishing; combating climate change and its consequences on security, particularly in terms of natural disasters; protection of the environment and natural resources, including tackling oil spills; and aid to victims of disasters.
“To harness the opportunities and to meet the challenges together, the two leaders have agreed on an action oriented Joint Strategic Vision for Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region,” the statement said.
The visiting President Macron, who spoke about right chemistry in bilateral relations with India, and Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction at the working of the bilateral Maritime Dialogue instituted in 2015.
“They also agreed on the need to establish an open, inclusive and transparent cooperation architecture, with the aim of delivering to all associated with the region, peace, security and prosperity,” the statement said.
Both sides also decided that both countries will strengthen the coordination in existing international and regional bodies to carry out this objective.
“India welcomes the prospect of France’s enhanced participation at the Indian Ocean Rim Association (lORA). France congratulates India on its leadership at lORA and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). France also supports India’s entry in the Indian Ocean Commission (lOC) as an Observer, and encourages its growing involvement in European Union projects for the Indian Ocean, the statement said.
They recall the necessity of the international community fully gauging the consequences of compromised maritime security and adopting effective solutions, such as the adaptation of anti piracy measures in the Horn of Africa, the statement said.
In order to widen and deepen strategic naval cooperation, India and France will be open to inviting strategic partner countries in the region to participate in Indo-French exercises, the statement said.
