French Navy Chief visits India

From 8th to 12th December 2007, Admiral Alain OUDOT DE DAINVILLE, French Chief of Navy Staff, will be visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Admiral Sureesh MEHTA. He will have the opportunity of interacting with most of the senior officials of the Navy, Air Force and Ministry of Defence.

Admiral Oudot de Dainville will also visit different places on the West Coast of India, like Goa, Mumbai, and Karwar where the new navy base is entering the second phase of its development.

The ties between the Indian and French Navies have developed significantly since 1998, when the two countries decided to transform their relationship into a strategic partnership. Numerous activities at sea have been conducted so far under the code name “VARUNA”, involving aircraft-carriers from both the countries, in addition to submarines, destroyers and minesweepers. The discussions, exchanges of people and experience, and the reflections that are organised during these major exercises as well as on other occasions, are becoming increasingly fruitful every year, and have been helpful for the two navies. The regional responsibilities of France and India have led to a real mutual understanding and the will to further their cooperation.

NOTE FOR EDITORS
Admiral Oudot de Dainville has already visited India in June 2005, in his then capacity of French Vice Chief of Navy Staff. During his previous trip, he travelled to Delhi and Vishakhapatnam.

For further information, please contact the Press Section, Tel: 2419 6137/6131