Defense collaborations between India and France are increasing after the Rafael deal. In order to continue the streak of developments between the two nations, India and France between April 12-13, signed a defense tie that has brought the two nations even closer in terms of strengthening bilateral defense engagement. The Ministry of Defense, in its statement, confirmed that the talks between the two nations focused on new initiatives under the existing bilateral cooperation to strengthen the present defense engagements. The meeting was attended by Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff and Air Vice Marshal B Manikantan and Head of Bilateral Cooperation South/Staff HQ Brigadier General Eric Peltier.
Earlier, in January 2020, France President, Emmanuel Macron, had discussed France and India’s mutual interests with PM Modi in a telephonic conversation. According to the reports, the India – France cooperation has been increasing. India’s foreign policy with the NATO nations has remained balanced as India’s defense minister, Rajnath Singh, was on a visit to the US in a 1 + 1 talks where both the countries have been discussing various measures to keep the US – India relations healthy.
