In a significant move to deepen their bilateral ties, India and France, during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, issued a joint statement outlining key outcomes of their discussions. The collaborative efforts spanned various sectors, including defense, aviation, space, counter-terrorism, and digital cooperation.
Defence and Aviation Collaboration
One of the major highlights was the agreement between Airbus SE and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to jointly manufacture H125 helicopters. This strategic partnership aligns with the broader vision of enhancing industrial cooperation and promoting indigenous production in the defence and aviation sectors. The leaders expressed satisfaction with this ambitious collaboration, emphasizing its significance in strengthening both countries’ defense capabilities.
The statement also highlighted progress in establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India for LEAP and Rafale engines. A comprehensive helicopter partnership, including a Joint Venture for IMRH engines between HAL and Safran, and plans for Scorpene submarines construction in India, were among the key defense-related agreements. The leaders acknowledged discussions between India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA), aiming to conclude an MoU in the near future.
Space Cooperation and Strategic Dialogue
India and France, with a history of over six decades of collaboration in space, welcomed the establishment of the Strategic Space Dialogue. Launched in June 2023, this dialogue aims to provide strategic guidance and direction across all aspects of space cooperation. The leaders expressed their commitment to expanding space cooperation, including co-development, manufacturing, and launching of satellites, research in new launch vehicle technologies, and connecting startups and users in both countries. A Letter of Intent on Defense Space Cooperation was also signed during the discussions.
Economic Cooperation and Investment
Both countries underscored their commitment to facilitating more Indian investments in France and vice versa. Airbus’ decision to assemble civilian helicopters in India, making them the first private sector companies to do so, was particularly noted. Additionally, Airbus plans to increase orders for aircraft parts in India for its assembly plants in Europe.
The leaders appreciated initiatives by French and Indian companies to expand their footprint in low carbon energy in India. India’s commitment to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for international flights was acknowledged, and both sides recognized the expertise of French companies in railway transportation, exploring potential cooperation in this area to meet India’s growing infrastructure needs.
Counter-Terrorism and Defense Partnership
Reaffirming their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, the leaders expressed their resolve to stand together against global terrorism. They emphasized that no country should provide a safe haven for those involved in terrorist activities. Both leaders called for concerted action against all terrorists and expressed their commitment to upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism.
The leaders acknowledged the growing India-France counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation, highlighting the formalization of cooperation between India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN) for agency-level cooperation in counterterrorism.
Cybersecurity and Digital Cooperation
Recognizing the strategic significance of cyberspace, the leaders welcomed discussions on deeper collaboration on resilient cyber infrastructure and enhancing cyber preparedness. The first India-France cybersecurity dialogue, held earlier in the month, was considered a significant step in this direction. The shared vision of harnessing innovation and technology, especially in the digital domain, was emphasized, and sustained collaboration in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) was called for.
The leaders noted the operationalizing of India’s real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—at the Eiffel Tower and discussed various applications of DPI in France. The collaborative mechanism known as InFraStructure, focusing on transportation, mobility, and ecological transition, was acknowledged, and the leaders encouraged initiatives promoting inclusion and diversity in technology, particularly for women and youth.
In conclusion, the joint statement reflected the comprehensive nature of the discussions, highlighting the commitment of both countries to strengthening their partnership across various sectors and addressing global challenges collaboratively. The state visit of President Macron to India marks a significant milestone in the strategic relationship between the two nations.