New Delhi
India and France today undertook an extensive review of its bilateral strategic partnership with focus on areas of defence, space, civil nuclear energy and Indo-Pacific during talks External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held here with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian.

“We had very fruitful talks. We closely looked at all the aspects of our mutual ties. We are taking our cooperation forward in the Indo-Pacific region, which will not only benefit these two countries but also other countries in the region,” Swaraj said.

Describing the defence relations between the two countries as historic, she said India and France are both associated in a number of exchanges, including training and joint exercises. Incidentally, the visit came a day after the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the Rafale multi-role strike aircraft deal. Sources privy to discussions maintained the issue did not figure in the talks.

Swaraj also reiterated the resolve of the two countries to jointly fight terrorism while on his part the French minister said the strategic partnership, now in its 20th year, also meant strengthening of exchanges on the Indian Ocean and shared commitment to fight terrorism, as “we mark 10 years since the deadly Mumbai attacks”.She said both countries will have to work to further strengthen trade relations with last year bilateral trade recording 9.62 billion euro.