France Navy Ship 'Languedoc' concludes its Mumbai visit

According to a release from the defence ministry, the French ship, an Aquitaine class frigate, commanded by Captain Christine Ribbe, visited Mumbai on a goodwill visit.

The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral AN Pramod, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA) and discussed issues of mutual interest. The visit also provided an opportunity for informal interactions during social functions conducted during the ship's stay in Mumbai, which included sports fixtures with Indian Navy personnel.

Coinciding with the visit of Languedoc, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars, Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN), accompanied by Captain Yannick Bossu, Commander of the Combined Task Force 150 (CCTF 150), also visited Mumbai and interacted with Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The interactions focussed on enhancing the IN-FN maritime cooperation as well as further participation of the Indian Navy in US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

"This visit is expected to renew and further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations that share similar concerns in overlapping areas of responsibility," the release said.

India and France are long-standing strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries have consistently acted together, building on a high level of mutual trust, shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and common values rooted in international law.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, both countries had agreed to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047, which will celebrate the centenary of India's independence, the centenary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and 50 years of the strategic partnership. (ANI)