The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 26
In a significant development following the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Jaipur, India and France have solidified an ambitious industrial roadmap, marking a crucial step in co-developing critical military hardware. The roadmap underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance defense collaboration, emphasizing co-designing, co-development, and co-production in key defense sectors.
Alongside the defense initiatives, a groundbreaking space situational awareness program was formalized during the discussions. This program aims to bolster cooperation in areas such as space monitoring, collision avoidance, Earth observation, and industrial collaboration. The agreement reflects the shared commitment of India and France to advance their capabilities in the space domain.
In a significant economic collaboration, Airbus SE and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd have inked an agreement to jointly manufacture H125 helicopters. This partnership aligns with the broader vision of enhancing industrial cooperation and indigenous production, contributing to the defense and aviation sectors.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, in an announcement detailing the outcomes of the Modi-Macron talks, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the bilateral partnership. The agreements span various sectors, reflecting the depth of collaboration between the two nations. The defense initiatives, space program, and industrial collaborations are integral components of the comprehensive strategic partnership.
The talks also touched upon global issues, with both leaders expressing their perspectives on ongoing conflicts, including the situation in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Maritime security, given recent disruptions in the Red Sea affecting commercial shipping, emerged as a point of serious concern.
As part of the broader cooperation, the two nations announced the celebration of the “India-France Year of Innovation” in 2026, underlining their commitment to fostering innovation and exchanges in this critical area. The activation of a five-year validity Schengen visa for Indian Masters alumni pursuing their degrees in French tertiary institutions was also revealed, enhancing mobility and educational collaboration.
The visit of President Macron has proven to be a pivotal moment in the India-France strategic partnership, with the leaders reaffirming their commitment to shared values and collaborative efforts across a spectrum of domains. The joint efforts in defense, space, innovation, and economic collaboration reflect the dynamic and forward-looking nature of the relationship between India and France.