NEW DELHI: India and France will hold their annual strategic dialogue on January 7 here with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, leading the Indian delegation and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, leading the French delegation.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "India and France will hold their annual Strategic Dialogue on January 7 in New Delhi. Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor will lead the Indian delegation while the French delegation will be led by Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President."

The MEA further said the two sides will hold discussions on wide-ranging bilateral and global issues.

During the meeting, Bonne will also call on other Indian dignitaries, the MEA added.

The last edition of the strategic dialogue was held last year in February in Paris.

France has decided against helping Pakistan upgrade its fleet of Mirage fighter jets, air defence system and Agosta 90B class submarines, a decision that was timed after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s loud criticism of French President Macron. Around the same time, France also conveyed to Qatar, which had earlier bought Rafale jets for its air force, not to allow any Pakistan-origin technicians near the aircraft for maintenance.