France reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft to India despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. <br />''<br />''French Minister of Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly today assured the Defence minister Rajnath Singh of the delivery during a telephonic conversation. Both the leaders discussed matters of mutual concern including COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen the Bilateral Defence Cooperation between India and France. <br />''<br />''Both Ministers appreciated the efforts made by Armed Forces of India and France in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Singh welcomed French Chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from 2020 to 2022. The two Ministers agreed to work together to fulfil the India-France Joint Strategic Vision on the Indian Ocean Region of 2018.</span><br />