Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold extensive talks with her French counterpart Florence Parley in New Delhi today to deepen the close bilateral strategic ties. In a statement, the French Embassy said, the talks will range from defence operational co-operation, in particular on maritime security, joint exercises of the armed forces, counter-terrorism, to industrial and technological partnership under the Make in India initiative.<br/>'<br/>Ms Parley will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to lay the ground for French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming trip to India.<br/>'<br/>The French Defence Minister will also visit the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and the Western Naval Command in Mumbai.