Paris [France], November 20 (ANI): India and France have enhanced their counter-terrorism cooperation with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the National Security Guard (NSG) and France’s elite counter-terror unit, GIGN. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan and GIGN Commander Colonel Benoit Villeminoz in Paris.
The LoI aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise, experience, and specialised counter-terror skills between the two elite units. It will deepen synergy in tackling emerging security threats and bolster joint capabilities in handling complex counter-terrorism operations.
A post by the NSG on X highlighted, “India & France boosted their counter-terror partnership as DG NSG Shri Brighu Srinivasan & GIGN Commander Colonel Benoit Villeminoz signed a Letter of Intent in Paris on 19 Nov 2025, enabling deeper synergy in sharing expertise, experience & specialised Counter Terror skills.”
India and France have maintained close and friendly relations under a Strategic Partnership (SP) launched in January 1998, designed to enhance strategic independence through strengthened bilateral cooperation. The partnership covers defence and security, civil nuclear matters, space, and now includes a strong Indo-Pacific component. In recent years, it has broadened to incorporate maritime security, digitalisation, cybersecurity, advanced computing, counter-terrorism, climate change, and sustainable development.
The countries share a robust defence collaboration, reviewed under the Annual Defence Dialogue and the High Committee on Defence Cooperation. Key ongoing projects include the purchase of Rafale aircraft and the P-75 Scorpene Project, with future cooperation being explored in next-generation fighter-plane engine development. An office of the DRDO was opened at the Indian Embassy in Paris in 2023 to further strengthen technology collaboration. (ANI)
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