The Indian Navy conducted a joint patrol with the French Navy from the Reunion Island in February 2020. India has so far carried out coordinated patrols only with maritime neighbours.
The joint patrolling with France signals India’s intent to engage with friendly foreign partners in expanding its footprint on the Indian Ocean.
The joint patrol was conducted by a P-8I aircraft with French Navy personnel onboard.
About Reunion Island
Reunion island is a French overseas department and overseas region in the western Indian Ocean. It is located about 420 miles (680 km) east of Madagascar and 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Mauritius.
Among all the touristic sites at Reunion, the Piton de la Fournaise is the most visited on the island. Piton de la Fournaise volcano is still very active.
References:
- The Hindu-India, France conduct joint patrols from Reunion Island.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- French Government
