Tue Jan 21 16:03:38 UTC 2025: ## India and France Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation in Indian Ocean

**New Delhi, January 21, 2025** – India and France have agreed to significantly bolster their maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), focusing on coordinated surveillance and information sharing to counter various threats. This commitment was announced following the 7th India-France maritime cooperation dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Deputy National Security Adviser and France’s Director General for international relations and strategy.

The two nations will enhance information exchange between their respective information fusion centers, including the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (Gurugram), the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (Seychelles), and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (Madagascar). They will also jointly assess maritime security threats, encompassing piracy, terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, cyber security risks, and marine pollution.

The agreement includes exploring opportunities for coordinated surveillance operations to address these threats. This builds upon past collaborations, such as joint patrols and the deployment of Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft to the French Reunion island.

France welcomed India’s full membership in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval partnership, and expressed anticipation for India’s leadership within the organization. India’s participation in the CMF underscores its commitment to maintaining security and stability in crucial international waterways.

Both countries reaffirmed their dedication to upholding international law, promoting multilateralism, respecting sovereignty, and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the IOR. This latest agreement follows the comprehensive Indo-Pacific roadmap finalized by both nations in July 2023.

Read More