India, France step up maritime security cooperation in Indian Ocean Region

India and France are deepening maritime cooperation to achieve a peaceful and secure Indian Ocean Region with New Delhi assuming chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2025 for two years.

India and France at their recently-held Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi agreed to develop a joint assessment of threats to maritime security in the IOR for countering illicit maritime activity, including piracy and armed robbery, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing; hybrid as well as cyber security threats and marine pollution, said officials familiar with the issue. New Delhi and Paris also agreed to support free and secure access to sea lanes of communications through collaboration between their maritime assets and organisations, the officials said. France, which has territories in the IOR, is one of India's principal partners in the region.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri who is in Paris met Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Anne-Marie Descotes to prepare for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France in February for the AI Summit.