NEW DELHI, 10 May 2022, (TON): India and France agreed to work in close proximity in line with the Make in India initiatives to address challenges related to space issues, besides having deeper ties in climate change and defence-related matters.

India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue on space issues during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to France.

The joint statement from the meeting revealed "it will bring together experts from space and defence agencies, administration and specialised ecosystem to discuss security and economic challenges in outer space, the norms and principles applicable to space as well as unveil new areas of cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the first dialogue this year at the earliest.”

During the meeting between PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, both sides welcomed the ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains. Joint exercises illustrate efforts towards better integration and interoperability wherever possible.