Paris, June 20 -- An Indian defence delegation led by Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) Dinesh Kumar met with French defence officials at the Paris Air Show on Thursday.

The French side was headed by Lt Gen Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament.

According to French defence officials, the meeting between the two sides also marked the formal launch of the Rafale marine programme, which already equips the Indian Air Force.

Meanwhile, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi on Thursday attended the 12th Key Leader Engagement, which was hosted virtually by US Navy's Pacific fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler.

Admiral Tripathi highlighted his vision on "achieving maritime security in the Indo-Pa...