– VINAYAK BAROT
New Delhi: A Few weeks ago, India had added its second nuclear submarine INS Arighat into the squad and now India may fix naval exercises with France and Australia in Future.
According to the sources, “India is preparing for the upcoming challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and building strong relations with other nations,”
“The Government of India expanding its strategic relations and trilateral naval exercise initiative has been discussed at the top level, including at the recent visit by French defence minister Florence Parly earlier this month.” Sources added
To counter the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean, India has strengthened bilateral relations with both France and Australia and conducts regular joint training exercises involving the navy and air force in the Indian Ocean.
“Minister Parly’s visit to India for the Rafale induction ceremony marked a new chapter in Indo-French defence ties and demonstrated the exceptional trust between our two countries. The minister also discussed in detail with minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval how to further intensify our maritime security cooperation in the Indo Pacific, with the goal in particular of carrying out increasingly ambitious joint naval exercises,” French ambassador told media.
Earlier Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a high level discussion meeting and focused on the security scenario.
To show its strength in the ocean, Indian Navy already conducts the Varuna series of naval exercises with France and in French Aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle that operates the marine version of the Rafale fighter jets as well as a nuclear submarine.