Question : AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND FRANCE



(a) whether any agreement has been signed between India and France on defence co-operation recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the benefits likely to be accrued to India as a result thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) to (c): No agreement on defence cooperation has been signed between India and France recently. Pursuant to the Joint Statement issued on September 12, 2005 following the meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the French President Jacques Chirac, both countries are holding discussions with a view to finalising a framework agreement on defence cooperation.