India-France sign Blue Economy and maritime management agreement -

Paris: – Following the Security related conference in Munich, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar proceeded to France. He held discussions with his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian and Defence Minister Florence Parly. Foreign Ministers Jaishankar and Le Drian signed an agreement regarding Blue Economy, meaning finance related to the oceans and maritime management. In the visit of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar that the central issue for cooperation between India and France is the multilateral maritime system based on regulations. Even though not mentioned, there is a threat to maritime security from the Chinese hegemonic policies. In this scenario, cooperation between India and France in the Indo-Pacific sector becomes important. Even if France is a European country, it has islands in the Indo-Pacific region. There are French citizens living on these islands and France is prioritising the security of these people and French interests in the region. Therefore, France has taken the initiative to cooperate with India, an important country in the Indo-Pacific.

The India-France strategic cooperation has the background of the Chines hegemonic activities. Both the countries are underlining the importance of the Blue Economy and Maritime management agreement with a passing reference to Chinese activities. France has convened an important meeting of the European Union on Tuesday. Senior Ministers from the member countries of the Union will present their countries’ stands on the issues in the Indo-Pacific sector. Indian External Affairs Minister thanked France, President of the European Union, for convening the meeting.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed confidence that this cooperation between India and France is a significant step taken for the security of the Indo-Pacific sector. Ukraine, Afghanistan and the nuclear deal between Iran and the United States also featured in the discussions between the Indian and French Foreign Ministers. While there is a looming threat of war between Russia and Ukraine, the French President has adopted the role of a mediator between the two countries to try and defuse the situation. India has honestly expressed that the Ukraine issue can be addressed only through diplomatic means. The Indian and French stand on this issue also seems the same.