How India and France are Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Defence Production
India and France have committed to a joint venture in the production of defense equipment, encompassing helicopters and submarines. The agreement, solidified during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
The joint production initiative is not limited to serving the needs of the Indian armed forces but also extends to manufacturing defense equipment for allied nations, according to a statement released by the Indian government on Friday. President Macron, during his visit, engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the leaders expressed a mutual desire to expand cooperation across various sectors.
The joint efforts are set to include the development of helicopters and submarines for the Indian armed forces. While the statement did not disclose the financial specifics of the deals, it highlighted the comprehensive nature of the collaboration, encompassing defense production, nuclear energy, space research, and the application of artificial intelligence in areas such as climate change, health, and agriculture.
France, after Russia, holds the position of the largest arms supplier to India, a country that has relied on French fighter jets for over four decades. The leaders welcomed the establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services by France’s Safran for leading-edge aviation propulsion (LEAP) engines in India. The agreement also extends to the addition of such services for Rafale engines and a collaborative effort in the helicopter domain.
During Macron’s 40-hour visit, marked by the fifth meeting between Macron and Modi since May, significant agreements were announced. The Tata Group of India and France’s Airbus inked a deal to jointly manufacture civilian helicopters. The move aligns with the growing trend of international partnerships in the aviation industry.
French aerospace giant, CFM International, revealed a notable agreement with India’s Akasa Air. The deal involves the purchase of over 300 LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This collaboration builds on Akasa Air’s previous order for 76 aircraft powered by the same engine, with 22 already in use.
Beyond defense and aerospace, the two nations pledged to intensify cooperation in the southwest Indian Ocean, building on joint surveillance missions conducted from the French island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022. The joint efforts underscore a commitment to regional security and strategic collaboration.
President Macron also announced France’s intention to create an enabling environment to attract up to 30,000 Indian students annually for higher education. This move aligns with the broader goal of fostering educational exchanges and building people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The strategic partnership between India and France, as demonstrated during Macron’s visit, reflects a multifaceted collaboration that extends beyond traditional defense alliances. The agreements underscore a shared commitment to technological advancements, regional security, and educational collaboration between the two nations.
