French Navy Ship Languedoc, an Aquitaine class frigate, commanded by Captain Christine Ribbe, visited Mumbai from October 13-18, 2023, on a goodwill visit.

The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral AN Pramod, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA) and discussed issues of mutual interest. Personnel of French and the Indian Navy undertook professional exchanges through cross-visits and shared best practices. The visit also provided an opportunity for informal interactions during social functions conducted during the ship’s stay at Mumbai, which included sports fixtures with Indian Navy personnel.

Coinciding with the visit of Languedoc, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars, Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN), accompanied by Capt Yannick Bossu, Commander of the Combined Task Force 150 (CCTF 150), also visited Mumbai and interacted with Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The interactions focussed on enhancing the IN-FN maritime cooperation as well further participation of Indian Navy in US led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

This visit is expected to renew and further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations that share similar concerns in overlapping areas of responsibility.