New Delhi/Paris, May 22. India and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security cooperation, with both sides agreeing to enhance operational coordination to counter a range of illicit maritime activities and uphold a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The understanding emerged during the 8th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in Paris on May 20. The meeting was co-chaired by senior officials from both countries, including Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor of India’s National Security Council Secretariat, and French representatives Guillaume Ollagnier, Director General for International Relations and Strategy at the Ministry for the Armed Forces, and Claire Raulin, Director for Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The discussions focused on expanding operational cooperation to address maritime threats such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, along with other hybrid threats. India and France agreed to strengthen coordination in the maritime security domain amid growing concerns over regional and global maritime challenges.
The two sides also exchanged views on developments in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, reflecting what both countries described as a strong strategic convergence and a shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The discussions underscored adherence to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the importance of freedom of navigation.
The dialogue also served as an opportunity to review progress on decisions taken during the meeting between leaders of India and France in February 2026 and assess outcomes of the January 2026 discussions between the respective National Security Advisors.
Both countries agreed to further consolidate and leverage the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership, signalling continued efforts to expand cooperation across security and strategic domains.
