Military & Aerospace

India and France share common objectives in Indian Ocean and Afghanistan
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Issue Net Edition | Date : 19 Oct , 2010

These economic lanes are vital for the world; it’s everybody’s interest to guarantee the stability of this region.

Therefore, the Indian Ocean has a major security value.

As we all know, the underlying instability in the Middle East, the rise of Islamic terrorism in the area and the burst of maritime piracy are as many risk factors and threat.

Regarding piracy for instance, we would like to improve international co-operation in order to share a global strategy, including not only naval operations but also nation building solutions in a stable international legal framework.

We consider that adopting and implementing such a strategy is urgent.

Somali pirates extend their activities, close to the limit of Indian territorial waters and at the convergence of two major maritime routes where, in the present state of force generation, coalitions cannot deploy sufficient assets.

India launched the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, a founding instrument for the cooperation of bordering nations.

We fully support such an initiative and we highly value the consensus the symposium has built on piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking and environmental damages.

Our second common challenge is related with Afghanistan

As you know, we are engaged in ISAF, a NATO led operation under UN mandate. Within Regional Command – East, we have deployed a 4000 men Task Force, east of Kabul, in Surobi-Kapisa district.

There, we fight a counter-insurgency war.

Our objective is to create the conditions for the Afghan people to be responsible of their own fate.

This is why we take an active part in the training of Afghan security forces so that, when they are ready to do so, they can fully play their role within the local population. We are aware that it will take time.

India is also committed in Afghanistan.

You are part in reconstruction projects and you provide a significant civilian support, actually, the largest one in the region.

Your country is an essential contributor to the restoration of afghan stability.

Last July, the Kabul conference marked a significant progress and showed clearly the will of Afghan authorities to take their destiny in their own hands.

In order to preserve our common interests, particularly in the field of security, we must consider that future developments –such as reconciliation initiatives- should be part of a wider process aiming at reaching a fair and lasting settlement.

We closely watch the process of eradicating terrorism, the fight against drug trafficking and human rights defence, including education and health for everyone, men and women.

This is the best protection against a religious fundamentalism backlash and a new civil war.

As the largest democracy on earth, India is an example for the region. It can play an essential role in promoting a regional dialogue.

To take into account the various challenges I just described, our co-operation over the past ten years is decisive.

The level of interoperability our Navies and Airforce have reached is excellent.

  • Yearly naval exercises VARUNA are an outstanding way to combine our efforts. In January 2011, our aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will cooperate in the area with your navy.
  • Last June, France hosted GARUDA Air Force exercise. Singapore was part in it. This does illustrate the value of our co-operation and the interest it raises in regional air forces.
  • As for the Army, I wish to mention the Indian senior officers who came to France for a major exercise in our main training center. Elements from the French Alpine Brigade participated in an expedition in the Himalayan range along with their Indian counterparts. These exchanges are the result of a dynamic and well balanced co-operation for mutual benefits.

To conclude, we do have common objectives: a safer world, a better managed Indian Ocean and a more stable Afghanistan.

We have similar aspirations because we share the same ideals, the same values and the same vision of the world.

That’s why we are true partners!

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