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India and France Strengthen Cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean

  • 27 Jan 2024

India and France have recently committed to enhancing collaboration in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on joint surveillance missions conducted from the French territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022.

Key Points

  • Strategic Maritime Cooperation: The joint statement, following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit for Republic Day celebrations, highlights the agreement to intensify cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, emphasizing the positive impact on the security of strategic sea lanes of communication.
  • Indo-Pacific Vision: The leaders reaffirm their dedication to strengthening the longstanding partnership between India and France, aligning with their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Comprehensive Roadmap: The leaders express satisfaction with the expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, referencing the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific finalized in July 2023.
  • Defence and Security Partnership: The joint statement underscores the pivotal role of the defence and security partnership in the India-France relationship in the Indo-Pacific, encompassing bilateral, multinational, regional, and institutional initiatives, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Trilateral Cooperation: Indian PM and French President commit to revitalizing trilateral cooperation with Australia, deepening ties with the UAE, and exploring new partnerships in the region.
  • Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund: The leaders call for the early launch of the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund to facilitate the scaling up of green technologies in the region.
  • Multilateral Initiatives: Emphasizing joint and multilateral initiatives, the leaders urge the identification of concrete projects to support sustainable economic development, human welfare, environmental sustainability, resilient infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity in the region.
  • India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): The launch of the IMEC is acknowledged, with both leaders recognizing its strategic importance in enhancing commerce and energy flow between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
  • Reformed Multilateralism: Indian PM and French President call for reformed and effective multilateralism, highlighting the urgent need for UN Security Council reform and expressing support for India's permanent membership.
  • G20 Summit and Paris Global Financing Summit: The leaders stress the importance of reforming Multilateral Development Banks, citing the need for better, bigger, and more effective institutions to address development and climate issues.
  • Independent Expert Group Report: The report submitted by the Independent Expert Group under the Indian G20 Presidency is welcomed, providing concrete suggestions for the reform of Multilateral Development Banks.
  • Paris Club Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation between the Paris Club and India in official debt restructuring cases is acknowledged in the joint statement.