India and France have affirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in their respective defense industrial sectors, aiming for co-design, co-development, and co-production.
The joint statement issued following French President Emmanuel Macron’s State visit to India emphasized the deep trust between the nations and their intention to strengthen integration in defense industries.
The leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious Defense Industrial Roadmap, highlighting the importance of defense collaborations in generating quality jobs and supporting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The progress in initiatives such as the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for LEAP engines and plans for Rafale engines and a comprehensive helicopter partnership were acknowledged.
The leaders praised the ongoing discussions between India’s DRDO and the French DGA, intending to finalize an MoU in the near future. The defense and security partnership, viewed as a cornerstone for sovereignty and strategic autonomy, was lauded for its multifaceted progress, covering intelligence exchange, joint exercises, and maritime cooperation.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the increasing complexity of joint defense exercises and discussed potential joint tri-services exercises, emphasizing the need to enhance capacities, especially in the maritime domain, through collaboration with like-minded countries.
