What Key Outcomes Emerged from the India-France Air Staff Talks?
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Synopsis
The recent Air Staff Talks between India and France have revealed critical discussions on state-sponsored terrorism and enhancing military cooperation. This meeting not only strengthens their defense ties but also highlights a mutual commitment to fighting terrorism on a global scale. Discover the insights and agreements established during this pivotal dialogue.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on state-sponsored terrorism
- Enhancement of bilateral cooperation
- Joint training and exercises
- Commitment to combat terrorism
- Focus on cybersecurity threats
New Delhi, Oct 2 (NationPress) India and France convened the 22nd edition of Air Staff Talks in New Delhi, centering on state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, fortifying bilateral cooperation through joint training, and the exchange of best practices, as announced by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday.
The discussions took place between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) from September 26 to October 1.
Providing insights on social media platform X, the IAF stated, "The 22nd edition of Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) was executed in New Delhi from 29 September to 01 October 2025."
"The deliberations focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation via Joint Training, combined exercises, exchange of ideas, Professional Military Education, and sharing of best practices. The meeting was co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal SK Taliyan and Brigadier General Nicolas Chambaz," it further stated.
Previously, on September 11, India and France engaged in the 17th Meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism in Paris.
The two parties reaffirmed their staunch commitment to combating terrorism in all forms, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Indian delegation was led by K.D. Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), MEA, while the French side was represented by Olivier Caron, French Counter-Terrorism Ambassador.
Officials from both nations condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities.
During the meeting, both delegations exchanged insights regarding the current threat evaluations in their respective countries.
Topics of discussion included state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, terrorist actions in South Asia and the Middle East, and the increasing exploitation of emerging technologies by terrorist organizations.
The two sides also concentrated on challenges posed by radicalization and extremism, particularly through online platforms.
The dialogue underscored the necessity for joint initiatives to combat terrorist propaganda and online recruitment, which is a growing global concern.
France and India also expressed interest in bolstering coordination on international platforms such as the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and the No Money for Terror (NMFT) initiative.
Additionally, both nations explored broadening the scope of their counter-terrorism dialogue to encompass organized crime, cybersecurity threats, and the exchange of information regarding online propaganda.
"The discourse on bilateral and multilateral cooperation emphasized intensifying capacity-building measures through training and exercises. Both sides deliberated cooperation in the UN, FATF, and NMFT," stated the MEA.
Point of View
The recent Air Staff Talks between India and France signify a robust commitment to countering terrorism and fostering bilateral cooperation. This dialogue not only enhances military ties but also underscores a united front against global threats. It is crucial for both nations to collaborate and share best practices to effectively address the challenges posed by terrorism and radicalization.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main topics discussed in the Air Staff Talks?
The main topics included state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, enhancing bilateral cooperation through joint training, and sharing best practices.
Who co-chaired the Air Staff Talks?
The talks were co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal SK Taliyan from India and Brigadier General Nicolas Chambaz from France.
When did the Air Staff Talks take place?
The talks were held from September 26 to October 1, 2025.
What was the significance of the meeting?
The meeting reinforced the commitment of both nations to combat terrorism and enhance military cooperation.
Which countries were involved in the discussions?
The discussions involved representatives from India and France.
