New Delhi:The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), India, led by Director General, Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy and the Institute of Strategic Research of the Ecole Militaire (IRSEM), France, led by Director Dr Jean Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI), on 22 July 2022, thereby establishing their intention to strengthening academic and research activities.
By signing the LoI, the institutes agreed to establish academic and technological links and to cooperate in the fields of research on security issues, as well as on national, regional, international, technological and socio-economic topics.
The LoI emphasises upon mutual exchange of ideas through the organisation of conferences, seminars and roundtables;consultations and exchange of researchers between the two Institutes;joint research projects; and exchange of research results and publications.
Earlier, in his Welcome Remarks, Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Amb Sujan R. Chinoy highlighted the comprehensive deepening of India-France relations. France-India partnership is rooted in mutual trust, commitment to international law, vision for a multipolar world and effective multilateralism, all of which are critical drivers in shaping the global environment, he emphasised.
Reflecting upon the bilateral defence ties between the two countries, Amb. Chinoy spoke about France’s support to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and its support to transfer of technology to India. He also highlighted the series of joint exercises including Shakti, Varuna, Desert Knight, Garuda and Pegase, being undertaken by the two nations on a regular basis.
Describing the convergence of Indo-French interests in the Indo-Pacific as the most impressive facet of India’s friendship with France, Amb. Chinoy said that India understands the French intentions in the region and is ready to play the role of an equitable and responsible partner.
Dr. Jean Baptiste, echoed DG MP-IDSA’s views on furthering India-France relations in the larger convergence of interests and values. He then talked about the key points of the comprehensive IRSEM report on Chinese influence Operations, which he has co-authored. Dr. Jean Baptiste highlighted that these influence operations have been instrumental in shaping and chasing China’s global objectives.
Photographs caption: Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy and Director, Institute of Strategic Research of the Ecole Militaire (IRSEM), Dr Jean Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer sign the Letter of Intent on 22 July 2022.
MP-IDSA and IRSEM Sign Letter of Intent for Strengthening Academic and Research Activities