By IANS
New Delhi : The French Army chief, General Bruno Cuche, arrives here Monday on a five-day visit aimed at ramping up military ties between the two countries.
“The visit will give the necessary impetus to the on-going defence relationship between India and France and broad-base it further into a mutually beneficial partnership,” a defence ministry release Friday said.
The visit “reconfirms the mutual trust and friendship between the armies of India and France and will provide the necessary fillip to our on-going army-to-army cooperation,” the release added.
During his visit, the French Army chief will interact with senior military and civilian defence officials, discuss defence-related issues and prospects for future cooperation between the two armies.
“With common concern on increased terrorism in the world, discussions on global and regional security situation including enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism are also envisaged,” the release said.
Visits to Indian Army field formations and training institutions in Nagrota, Rajouri, Agra and Pune will be organised during Cuche’s visit.
“India’s army-to-army cooperation with France is progressing very smoothly and it comprises numerous joint activities like visits, observers at joint exercises, training and courses, exchanges between experts and equipment procurement,” the release said.
“The activities between our armies in 2007 have shaped very well and the plan for 2008 will be finalised soon between the (two) defence ministries,” it added.