India, France to consolidate defence ties

Paris, Sep 30 (IANS) India and France Tuesday reiterated their commitment to consolidate their ties in the defence sector.

'Both countries are fully committed to consolidating their relationship in the field of defence by increasing the range, level and frequency of their military exchanges, joint exercises, joint programmes and prospects in the fields of defence industry, research and technology,' said a joint statement after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Nicolas Sarkozy held the India-France summit here.

'This commitment is well evidenced between the two countries by the possibility of joint development, as early as feasible, of Short Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SRSAM) and of the Kaveri engine for Light Combat Aircraft. Discussions concerning the upgradation of Mirage-2000 aircraft are also well under way and are expected to be finalised by next year,' it said.