CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Concludes Fruitful Visit to France, Reinforcing Strategic Partnership

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th April. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, wrapped up a comprehensive visit to France, underscoring the enduring strategic partnership between India and France and bolstering bilateral defense cooperation.

During his visit, General Chauhan engaged in high-level discussions with key French officials, including Mr. Patrick Pailloux, Director of Civil & Military Cabinet of the Minister of the French Armed Forces, and Lt Gen Vincent Giraud, Chief of Military Cabinet of the Minister of the Armed Forces. Additionally, he held productive talks with his counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard (CEMA), facilitating the exchange of perspectives on shared interests and security challenges.

Discussions at France’s Directorate General of Armament focused on enhancing the exchange of high-end dual-use technologies, while meetings with leading French defense industry players such as Dassault, Safran, Naval Groups, and Thales Alenia Space aimed at fostering futuristic capacity building for the Indian Armed Forces and bolstering indigenous defense capabilities.

General Chauhan’s engagements extended to the French Land Forces Command (CFT), the French Space Command (CDE), and the School of Military Studies (Ecole Militaire), where he highlighted India’s security concerns and explored avenues for enhanced defense collaboration in space, modernization initiatives, and bilateral training.

Paying homage at the War Memorials of Neuve-Chapelle and Villers-Guislain, General Chauhan honored the valor of soldiers from the Indian Expeditionary Force who fought on the Western Front during World War I, emphasizing the historical ties between India and France in promoting peace and stability.

The visit reaffirmed the deepening India-France Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in the multifaceted relationship between the two nations across diverse areas of cooperation.