New Delhi [India], January 27: India and France have come together to deepen integration in the defense and industrial sectors, identifying opportunities for co-design, co-development, and co-production.

President Macron and Prime Minister Modi, reflecting deep mutual trust and confidence between the two nations, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing integration in the defense industry through decades-old collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies. Working together to identify opportunities in joint design, co-development, and co-production, they aim to deepen the strategic partnership and cooperation between their respective defense sectors. According to the joint statement of India and France after the political journey of French President Emmanuel Macron for the Republic Day celebration, the objective is not only to fulfill the defense requirements of the Indian armed forces but also to provide a credible and reliable source of defense supply to others. India and France are described as friendly nations.

During the journey, Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron emphasized that defense industrial collaboration, particularly in the design phase, not only generates quality jobs for youth but also advances the vision of a self-reliant India. Additionally, they expressed support for broad progress in the digital and materials science sectors, aligning with the perspective of a developed India by 2047. In this direction, both leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious defense industrial roadmap.

In the context of ambitious collaboration and a more detailed industrial roadmap, progress has been made in establishing MRUs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) for Leap engines in India through Safran, and a plan to integrate MRUs for Rafale engines. A comprehensive helicopter partnership has also been welcomed. As per the joint statement of India-France, a joint venture between HAL and Safran includes the production of IMRHE (Intermediate Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) engines and indigenization, including the manufacture of Scorpène submarine components in India.

They also welcomed discussions between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and intend to conclude a framework agreement in the near future.

Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron praised the comprehensive progress in defense and security partnership, considering it a key pillar of their collaboration, strengthening sovereignty and strategic autonomy while contributing to advancing peace in the region.

This confidential information, spanning from practices and tools to domains ranging from sea level to outer space, has been disseminated. According to the joint statement, they welcomed the outcomes and directions set during the 5th Annual Defense Dialogue led by both Defense Ministers and the Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held in October 2023.

They expressed satisfaction with the increasing complexity and interoperability of the India-France joint defense exercises across air, sea, and land. They also agreed to consider a specific trilateral service exercise and actively collaborate with like-minded countries, particularly in the maritime domain.

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