India, France to Ink MoU for Maritime Surveillance Satellite During PM Trip

India and France are expected to conclude MoU on joint production of satellites for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as part of the their growing Indo-Pacific partnership during PM Narendra Modi’s summit meet with the French President in Paris on Thursday.

Delhi and Paris under an arrangement reached few years back share data for maritime surveillance in the IOR amid growing Chinese presence in the region. The proposed joint production of satellites will be phase 2 of the endeavor informed sources told ET.

Besides, the two leaders at their summit on Thursday evening at the historic Château de Chantilly palace will also give a push for the civil nuclear partnership as the two sides plan to conclude techno-commercial offer for the Jaitapur project within two months, sources indicated.

Modi and President Emmanuel Macron will also have opportunity to expand counter-terror partnership to combat terror financing and curb illicit content on the internet. The Summit will also give a fillip to cyber security and digital cooperation. Modi is only official summit that Macron is hosting before G-7 Summit.

Modi will be visiting Biarritz, France at the invitation of President Macron for the 2019 G-7 Summit as ‘Biarritz Partner’ from 25-26 August 2019. During the Summit, Prime Minister is expected to speak in Sessions on Environment, Climate, Oceans and Digital Transformation. On the sidelines, Prime Minister will be having bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries.

The Indian Prime Minister would address the Indian community in Paris and also inaugurate the Memorial for the Indian victims of the Air India crashes at Nid D’Aigle on August 23.

India and France are Strategic Partners since 1998 and share a comprehensive, dynamic and multi-faceted relationship.

Source: ET

Image Courtesy: PBI