DELHI- India and France have collaboratively decided to engage in the joint manufacturing of defence equipment, encompassing helicopters and submarines for the Indian armed forces, as well as production for allied nations, as announced by the central government.
This agreement materialized during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participated in a state banquet hosted by President Draupadi Murmu.
India-France Aviation, Aerospace Takeaways
The government, in a statement released late on Friday, highlighted the mutual commitment to broaden bilateral cooperation in defence production, nuclear energy, space research, and the application of artificial intelligence for public services, such as addressing climate change, health, and agriculture. The statement, however, did not specify the financial value of any agreements.
France, following Russia, stands as the second-largest arms supplier to India, which has been dependent on its fighter jets for the past four decades.
The leaders expressed appreciation for the establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in India by France’s Safran, focusing on leading-edge aviation propulsion (LEAP) engines.
Additionally, they acknowledged the inclusion of similar services for Rafale engines and the initiation of a helicopter partnership.
The fifth meeting between Macron and Modi, conducted during Macron’s 40-hour visit, included discussions on various collaborations, such as the partnership between India’s Tata Group and France’s Airbus.
According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, both entities have signed an agreement to manufacture civilian helicopters jointly.
Akasa CFM Deal
French aircraft engine manufacturer CFM International has also disclosed a deal with India’s Akasa Air (QP) for the acquisition of over 300 LEAP-1B engines. These engines are intended to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Akasa Air had previously placed an order for 76 aircraft equipped with these engines, with 22 of them currently in operation.
Furthermore, India and France have affirmed their commitment to enhance collaboration in the southwest Indian Ocean, building upon joint surveillance missions conducted from the French island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022, as stated in the government release.
Additionally, President Macron announced France’s intention to create favorable conditions to attract up to 30,000 Indian students annually for higher education
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