Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Tuesday held talks with Gen Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of French Air and Space Force (FASF), on ways to further expand cooperation between the two sides. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria is on a five-day visit to France from Monday.
The Indian Air Force said Gen Lavigne and Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria in their talks noted the steady growth of operational exchanges between the two forces and explored ways to expand the cooperation further. “Air Chief Mshl RKS Bhadauria visited @Armee_de_lair HQs & called on Gen Philippe Lavigne to discuss op issues common to the two Air Forces. The Chiefs noted the steady growth of operational exchanges & explored avenues to expand IAF- FASF ties,” the IAF tweeted.
On Monday, it said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria’s visit will be a significant step in further enhancing mutual cooperation between the two air forces. Gen Philippe Lavigne visited India in February last year. The cooperation between the Indian and the French air forces have seen gradual expansion in the last few years. Both the air forces have been carrying out exercise series ‘Garuda’.
INDIAN AND FRANCE RELATIONS
India and France have traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is emblematic of their convergence of views on a range of international issues apart from a close and growing bilateral relationship
