India and France conduct joint patrols

India and France conduct joint patrols

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations

In News: 

• India and France have conducted joint patrols from the Reunion Island for the first time. 
• The patrol was conducted by a P-8I aircraft with French Navy personnel on board.
• The surveillance was done in the southern Indian Ocean off Mauritius.

Do you know?

• Réunion Island is a French department in the Indian Ocean.
• It is known for its volcanic, rainforested interior, coral reefs and beaches.

Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5418462026656127/

Important Value Additions:

• France is the first country to deploy a liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR) as part of efforts to improve maritime domain awareness (MDA).

• France has steadily emerged as a major strategic partner for India with defence deals and increased military-to-military engagement.
• The Indian Navy is currently inducting French Scorpene conventional submarines, being built in India under technology transfer. 
• The Indian Air Force will soon get the first batch of its 36 Rafale fighter jets.