Admiral Bernard Rogel, Chief of Naval Staff, French Navy is on an official visit to India from 13 to 18 November 2014 to discuss existing Navy to Navy cooperation, cement existing bridges of friendship as well as to explore new avenues of cooperation between the Indian and French Navies.
The Admiral was received at South Block lawns by Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. During the day, the visiting dignitary met senior Naval officers as well as various senior MoD and other government officials at Delhi. The Admiral is scheduled to visit Goa where he will address the Naval participants at the Naval War College Goa. The dignitary is then going to Mumbai and is scheduled to visit Naval facilities as well as Mazagon Dock Ltd.
Indian Navy – French Navy cooperation covers a wide spectrum of maritime activities and includes Navy to Navy Staff Talks, bilateral exercise Varuna as well as regular delegation level interactions. Warships of both Navies make regular port calls to each other’s ports. The training interaction includes courses in high technology as well as at staff levels.
French Navy has been an active supporter of the Indian Navy initiated ‘IONS’ which is aimed at collaboration among IOR littorals towards enhancement of maritime security and good order at sea.
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Press release, Image: Indian Navy