The dialogue underscored the importance of existing mechanisms of cooperation
In a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and cooperation, India and France have agreed to jointly assess security threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The agreement was announced during the 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, held in New Delhi on 14 January 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the dialogue was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor, National Security Council Secretariat, India, and Ms Alice Rufo, Director General for International Relations and Strategy, Ministry for the Armed Forces, France.
In a joint declaration, both nations stated, “India and France agreed to develop a joint assessment of the threats to maritime security in the region; to counter illicit maritime activities, including piracy and armed robbery, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing, hybrid as well as cyber security threats, and marine pollution.”
The discussion centred on deepening cooperation in the IOR, a critical area for both countries due to its strategic importance. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring maritime security, a key pillar of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
Commitment To International Law & Multilateralism
India and France reiterated their shared vision for upholding international law, supporting multilateralism through regional organisations, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
The dialogue underscored the importance of existing mechanisms of cooperation. Both nations agreed to enhance information-sharing between maritime security centres, including the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles, and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar.
This strengthened collaboration will include exploring opportunities for coordinated surveillance to counter emerging threats in the IOR.
Enhanced Partnership On Maritime Security
India and France expressed their commitment to mutual support in maritime security engagements. France, notably, was the first country to deploy an international liaison officer to the IFC-IOR, underscoring its dedication to bridging collaborative efforts in the region.
The two nations reaffirmed their 2018 “Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region,” emphasising free and secure access to sea lanes of communication. This vision will be realised through closer collaboration between their maritime assets and organisations.
The MEA noted, “France welcomed the participation of the Indian Navy in the Combined Maritime Forces and looks forward to India’s leadership of the appropriate Combined Task Forces.”
Commitment To Ocean Conservation & Biodiversity
Beyond security, India and France pledged to work together on the conservation of marine resources and biodiversity in the IOR. As part of their commitment to the United Nations Ocean Conference, the two countries agreed to further regional cooperation on marine conservation.
Building on the progress made during their previous dialogue on the blue economy and ocean governance, both sides recognised the need for sustainable practices to preserve marine ecosystems.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
Both nations stressed the importance of collaboration at the regional level, including as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). This approach aligns with their shared goal of promoting a sustainable and secure maritime environment.
The agreements reached during the dialogue reflect the evolving partnership between India and France, particularly in areas of strategic importance such as maritime security, environmental conservation, and regional stability. With the IOR at the heart of these efforts, the two countries continue to set a benchmark for international collaboration in the region.
