France voices its support for India in ‘difficult’ times

NEW DELHI: French defence minister Florence Parly wrote to her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on Monday expressing solidarity and steadfast support for Indian armed forces and condoling the death of Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley in clashes with Chinese troops.
“This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families, and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families,” she wrote to Singh, reiterating that India was France’s strategic partner in the region.
“The minister also expressed her readiness to meet Singh in India, at his invitation, to follow up on their ongoing discussions,” the French embassy here said. Meanwhile, foreign minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held discussions with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on security and political issues.