New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): French Minister Francois-Noel Buffet, attached to the Ministre d'Etat, Minister of the Interior, will visit India on April 23, as noted by the French Embassy to India in a press statement.

As per the statement, Minister Francois-Noel Buffet, French Minister, attached to the Ministre d'Etat, Minister of the Interior, will visit India on April 23, to inaugurate the second edition of MILIPOL India, along with the Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai.

The statement further noted that during his visit, Buffet will pay tribute to India's homeland security forces, laying a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.

Minister Buffet will then take part in the MILIPOL trade show to underscore the Indo-French strategic partnership in homeland security- cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime which includes cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, amongst others, irregular migration and civilian protection.

As per the statement, he will meet exhibitors, notably from France. Buffet will reiterate his support for the development of exchanges in homeland security, for which there is considerable potential. France's expertise in homeland security was particularly demonstrated during the organisation of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Notably, the Minister will then visit the NSG headquarters to see operational demonstrations by members of the force and tour the National Bomb Data Center (NBDC).

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and France have enjoyed close and friendly relations, sharing a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) that encompasses all aspects of bilateral cooperation, with a strategic component. Launched on 26 January 1998, India's first-ever Strategic Partnership embodied the core vision of both countries to enhance their respective strategic independence by drawing upon a strong and enhanced bilateral cooperation.

The MEA observed that Defence and security, civil nuclear matters and space constitute the principal pillars of the strategic cooperation between India and France and now includes a strong Indo-Pacific component. In the recent years the partnership has broadened to include maritime security, digitalisation, cyber security and advanced computing, counter terrorism, climate change, renewable and sustainable growth and development among others. (ANI)