Kolkata: The Indian Navy will participate in France–Led naval exercise ‘La Perouse’ for the first time in the Bay of Bengal, The official sources said.
Two French ships will lead the navies’ joint exercise ‘La Perouse’ scheduled between April 5 and 7. Japan, the US, and Australia will also participate in France’s ‘La Perouse’ drill. India’s first-ever participation is seen as a significant step.
French navy’s amphibious assault helicopter carrier tonnerre and surcouf frigate have arrived at Kochi Port on Tuesday.
Tonnerre carries more than 600 officers and cadets including 150 freshly inducted young cadets who will be participating in the exercise as the final phase of their training.
After ‘La Perouse’ naval exercise – India and France will schedule another important naval exercise and this time it will also include the United Arab Emirates.
The strategic relations between the New Delhi and Paris have developed at new level in the last few years.
France was supportive of India’s nuclear tests in 1998. At that time – many western countries’ first reaction were impose sanctions on India.
-Vinayak