National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Saturday held discussions in Paris at the 35th session of the Indo-French strategic dialogue, re-emphasizing the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific Region and to defend it based on the rule of law.

As per an official statement issued by the French Embassy in New Delhi, Drian reiterated the commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, and deepen its various aspects, especially in the areas of defence, space, civil nuclear energy and security.

“Following up on the meeting between the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the G20 in Rome, the Minister stressed our commitment to deepening the Indo-French strategic partnership and strengthening its various aspects, particularly in the areas of defence, space, civil nuclear energy and security,” the statement said.

The French Foreign Minister also discussed the priorities in front of the two countries to fight climate change, the statement said.

“He underscored the importance of the mutual trust between France and India, as well as that of the Indo-French partnership in working to strengthen multilateralism and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law,” the statement further read.

Drian also called for continued Indo-French coordination, including at the United Nations Security Council, on Afghanistan.