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French warships visiting Mumbai |
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Two French warships last week began a visit to the western Indian port of Mumbai, marking the growing ties between the navies of the two countries. The French vessels - the frigate De Grasse and maintenance ship Jules Verne - are part of the French Navy’s contingent deployed in the Indian Ocean. They will remain in Mumbai till April 15.
The two countries have gradually expanded defence ties in recent years, moving into areas such as naval exercises and joint development of weapons and military equipment. A statement from the French Embassy said the visit of the warships “will permit exchanges of experience between the Indian Navy and the French Navy in various fields of common interest.” India and France last year agreed in principle on the joint production of sophisticated Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy. The Scorpene deal, when finalised, will be one of the biggest defence contracts with a Western nation. The acquisition of the Scorpenes will be part of the Indian Navy’s 30-year-plan to add 24 submarines to its fleet by 2025.
India signed a Rs.15 billion deal with France in 2000 for the purchase of 10 Mirage 2000 aircraft.
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