India and France agreed to enhance their cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region through coordinated surveillance.

The two discussed increasing the security partnership and, at the same time, ensuring higher maritime safety, countering new security challenges that are rising within the region.

The deal was reportedly concluded during recent high-level talks between Indian and French officials, where it underlined the Indian Ocean as an important global trade route and strategic waterway. Much significance was placed on cooperation in the sharing of intelligence, maritime patrols, and surveillance operations to enhance security in this region.

This is at a time when the Indian Ocean is playing an increased geo-political role, where piracy concerns, territorial disputes, and greater influences by rival powers have turned into serious issues. This is where the coordinated surveillance on part of both nations should ensure that peace and stability would allow uninterrupted maritime trade and freedom of navigation.

For a long time, India and France have had close defense ties; this agreement further strengthens strategic partnership by both countries-increasing the commitment towards the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations are committed to Indo-Pacific security due to the common interest of both nations in terms of achieving a rules-based international order.

Coordinated surveillance by India and France will engage the two nations in common monitoring of critical maritime routes, as well as neutralizing any threat that may pose to other parts of the region.