Chief of Defence Staff General A. Chauhan on official visit to France

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 22-04-2024

Chief of Defence Staff General A. Chauhan on official visit to France

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Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan embarked on an official trip to France on April 21, 2024. The purpose of this visit of CDS Anil Chauhan is to further strengthen the strong defence relations between the two countries.

Defence and strategic relations between India and France are important in view of China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
The last few years have seen a significant change in defense relations between India and France. CDS Anil Chauhan's visit to France is taking place at a time when tension in West Asia has reached its peak.
The Defence Ministry, without specifying the duration of the CDS's visit, said the visit is aimed at further strengthening the strong defence ties between the two countries.

CDS Anil Chauhan's program in France:

General Anil Chauhan is scheduled to hold discussions with the senior military and civilian leadership of France during this visit.
Talks are proposed with CDS Chauhan's French counterpart Chief of Defence Staff (CEMA), General Thierry Burkhard.
General Thierry Burkhard holds several positions in France, including mainly:
- Director of the National Institute for Higher Defence Studies (IHEDN) and Director General of Armaments.
General Anil Chauhan will visit the French Space Command and Land Forces Command.
In addition he will address military student officers of the Army and Joint Staff Course at the Ecole Militaire (School of Military).

Talks with French defence manufacturing companies:

Anil Chauhan is scheduled to visit and interact with some other prestigious defense industry units in France including Safran Group, Naval Group and Dassault Aviation.

CDS Chauhan will lay wreath in honour of Indian soldiers:

There are also visits to the CDS Neuve-Chapelle Memorial and the Indian Memorial in Villers-Guislain. Here he will lay floral tributes in honor of the brave Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War.

India-France Defence Relations:

Defence partnership is at the core of India-France relations. At the same time, compared to other Western countries, France appears to be a much more willing and generous partner.
From the Rafale deal to the acquisition of 26 Marine versions of the aircraft, the French have been keen to give some of their best defense systems to the Indians.
Technology transfer by France has already helped India build six Scorpene-class submarines. Also, three more submarines are now being purchased for the Navy.

Joint Military Exercise:

Joint military exercises are organized between India and France at all three military levels. in which mainly:
- Shakti Exercise (Army)
- Varuna Exercise (Navy)
- Garuda Exercise (Air Force).