On March 4, 2024, a significant Bilateral Dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation between India and France took place in New Delhi, signaling a concerted effort to address critical issues in the realm of global security. The dialogue saw representatives from both nations engage in comprehensive discussions on various facets of disarmament and non-proliferation, spanning nuclear, chemical, and biological domains, as well as outer space security and conventional weapons, including the integration of artificial intelligence in military applications and the contentious issue of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Additionally, multilateral export control regimes were also a focal point of deliberation.
The bilateral dialogue follows a pivotal meeting earlier in the day between Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. Reflecting on the burgeoning strategic partnership between India and France, Secretary General Descotes expressed confidence in the strengthening ties, noting the positive trajectory of cooperation. She underscored the significance of ongoing collaborations, including the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue, in bolstering the momentum of the strategic partnership.
Significantly, addressing pressing challenges in disarmament and non-proliferation, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to upholding international norms and fostering stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
