India, France discuss deals for Rafale Ms, Scorpene Submarines; Conflict Zones

PARIS: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu held wide-ranging talks in Paris and focused on enhancing defence ties, including a deal for Rafale Marines and submarines.

Sources told ET that Doval and his French interlocutors discussed advancing defence industry partnership, with focus on Make in India besides civil nuclear ties.

"On his visit to France, India's National Security Adviser, Shri Ajit Doval, engaged in extensive discussions with French armed forces minister, Mr Sebastien Lecornu," the Indian embassy in France said in a post on X on Tuesday.


"Their dialogue aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing space collaboration, while also sharing insights on the evolving international geopolitical landscape," it said.

Lecornu also took to X and said they discussed "bilateral defence cooperation: Rafale Marine, Scorpene submarines, space. As well as the international situation, particularly in Ukraine."

Doval also led a strategic dialogue with Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, sources said, adding that the situation in Lebanon and West Asia was discussed besides collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

Later, Doval met Macron and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "commitment to implement Horizon 2047 roadmap". "President stressed the value of efforts to advance peace and address global challenges... appreciated PM Modi's initiatives," the embassy posted on X.