New Delhi, Oct 13 (KNN) Under the Make in India initiative, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has invited French defence industry, during her interaction with the top leaders at the first India-France Ministerial level annual defence dialogue, Paris, to expand their defence manufacturing in India.

The French Minister for the Armed Forces, Edouard Philippe, asked the local industry to promote defence technology and R&D cooperation with Indian stakeholders such as Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited etc.

Both sides discussed ways to deepen defence related official as well as operational level interactions were also discussed.

It was agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the regular joint exercises (SHAKTI, VARUNA and GARUDA) in the future.

The two ministers comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

They also exchanged views on contemporary regional & international developments of mutual interest.

Before departing for India, she called on Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Oct 12 and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation.

Sitharaman also interacted with CEOs of French defence industry and visited a defence manufacturing site.