India, France begin defence dialogue

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 18. India and France today shared their perceptions on developments in Asia, Asia-Pacific and Europe as part of their strategic defence dialogue.

These discussions were held between the visiting French Defence Minister, Mr. Alain Richard, and his Indian counterpart, Mr. George Fernandes. Diplomatic sources here pointed out that identification of a common strategic agenda was necessary for defining cooperation in other spheres, including military hardware exchanges. The three Services Chiefs also called on the visiting Minister.

Delegation-level talks between the two sides will be held tomorrow. Mr. Richard on Friday will also call on the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On the military hardware side, France is bidding for a $1-billion Indian order for Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). The two sides are also negotiating possible sale of 10 Mirage-2000 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Besides, New Delhi and Paris are working together to revive India's submarine construction line at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai. France is also a supplier of critical parts which go into Russian military equipment, especially aircraft which are being supplied to India.

The two sides have recently expanded inter-Services cooperation. For the first time, the French had brought in an aircraft-carrier for exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean.

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