India, France discuss counter-terrorism, cooperation in Indo-Pacific at strategic dialogue

India and France discussed key issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region at their annual strategic dialogue and vowed to accord high priority to their partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

National security advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation, while the French delegation was headed by Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, at the talks held on Thursday.

At the dialogue, they reiterated their attachment to an inclusive, rules-based Indo-Pacific which contributes to a multipolar Asia in a multipolar world, the French release on the dialogue said.

In its statement, the MEA said the two sides held discussions on a variety of issues including counter-terrorism, cyber security, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both sides reaffirmed the high priority they accord to the India-France strategic partnership and highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries, the MEA said.

During his visit here, Bonne also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. He also met foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

The post India, France discuss counter-terrorism, cooperation in Indo-Pacific at strategic dialogue appeared first on Defence News India.