'India foremost strategically of France in Indo-Pacific region'
The Times of India Delhi|December 17, 2021
France is still seething over the AUKUS military pact among the US, UK and Australia, which cost it a mega submarine deal. French defence minister Florence Parly tells TOI’s Rajat Pandit her country is committed to offering its best defence technology to India and collaborate in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and space security. Excerpts from the interview:
Rajat Pandit
'India foremost strategically of France in Indo-Pacific region'

What is your agenda for talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh and others on Friday?

The Indo-French strategic partnership has demonstrated exceptional solidarity and commitment. France has fulfilled its commitment to delivering Rafale fighter jets on time (33 of the 36 till now) despite disruptions by the pandemic. Our armed forces have reached new levels of interoperability with major exercises this year. The partnership is our best asset to shape the post-pandemic world, defend our common values, and promote a multipolar world. We will hold our Annual Defence Dialogue to review and advance all aspects of our cooperation. I will also reiterate France’s commitment to offer the best of its defence technology with a high ‘Make in India’ component. I also want to take this opportunity to pay my tribute to CDS General Bipin Rawat on his tragic demise.

What are the future prospects of the India-France partnership?

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