In a momentous move towards strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, India and France have announced a groundbreaking joint development project to create a cutting-edge combat aircraft engine. The significant decision was unveiled during the bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Roadmap for Co-development
Under this historic collaboration, the French aviation giant, Safran, and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will formulate a comprehensive roadmap for the joint development of the combat aircraft engine before the end of the year. This strategic initiative marks a vital step forward in enhancing technological capabilities and cementing the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Expanding Industrial Cooperation
In addition to the combat aircraft engine project, both countries have also expressed support for bolstering industrial cooperation in the domain of heavy-lift helicopters. They plan to join forces for the motorisation of heavy-lift helicopters under India’s Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme, with the involvement of Safran Helicopter Engine, France.
To facilitate the progress of the IMRH programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India and Safran Helicopter Engine have concluded a shareholders’ agreement for engine development. This collaboration is in sync with the spirit of trust that has prevailed in Indo-French relations during the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks.
Solidifying Mutual Trust
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of defence ties between India and France, which have always been a fundamental pillar of their bilateral relations. The joint development of the combat aircraft engine stands as a testament to the mutual trust shared between the two nations, reflecting their commitment to advancing military capabilities and fostering technology transfer.
Contributing to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Initiatives
France is acknowledged as an essential partner in India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programmes. The collaborative efforts extend beyond the development of submarines and naval aircraft, with both countries aiming to meet not only their domestic requirements but also the needs of other friendly nations.
Joint Fight Against Terrorism
The joint press briefing emphasized that India and France stand united in the fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi asserted that strong action must be taken against cross-border terrorism, indicating the commitment of both nations to combatting this global menace.
Beyond Defence Cooperation: Unified Payment Interface and New Consulate
Acknowledging the breadth of their collaboration, the two leaders also revealed plans to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France. This move aims to foster seamless digital transactions and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Furthermore, India announced its decision to establish a new consulate in the picturesque port town of Marseilles. This move is expected to deepen people-to-people ties and strengthen the bond between India and France.
The recent developments in defence and economic cooperation between India and France signify a pivotal milestone in their bilateral relations. The joint development of the combat aircraft engine and other collaborations are set to bolster India’s capabilities while fostering enduring friendship and strategic partnerships in various domains. As the two nations move ahead with their joint ventures, the world watches with anticipation for the positive impact of this unprecedented collaboration on regional and global security.
