The Chief of Naval Staff of France Admiral Bernard Rogel, received a warm welcome in New Delhi after arriving in India for a four-day visit.
France hopes to improve bilateral ties with India, which Rogel calls a "strategic partner".
"It's very important for the French Navy because India is the strategic partner for years and years, and so it is the reason why I came here and am really happy to be here today," said the Admiral.
Besides meeting top officials, the French Naval chief is scheduled to travel to navy bases at Goa and Mumbai in western India.
Rogel will also visit the Mazagon Dock Limited, which is building six Scorpene submarines with the help of a French firm and the Naval War College.
The first submarine is expected to be launched in September 2015.
