Taking the defence cooperation between India and France to a brand new degree, the 2 nations introduced that they may lengthen their “ground-breaking” defence cooperation in superior aeronautical applied sciences by supporting the joint growth of a fight plane engine and likewise an engine for the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) being designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

This is among the many a number of bulletins made by the 2 sides on the defence entrance. Both additionally introduced cooperation on small and superior modular reactors, adoption of a highway map for joint actions within the Indo-Pacific, finalisation of the joint Earth commentary satellite tv for pc, and simplification of visa necessities for college students amongst others.

“A road map on this project will be prepared between Safran and DRDO before the end of this year,” the joint assertion issued after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron stated. “They also support industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the IMRH programme with Safran Helicopter Engine, France. To enable progress on the IMRH programme, a Shareholders’ Agreement between HAL, India and Safran Helicopter Engine, France has been concluded for engine development.”

PM Modi in France | Updates

These ventures are consistent with the spirit of belief that prevails between India and France within the sharing and joint growth of important elements and know-how constructing blocks, based mostly on the profitable Indo-French expertise in know-how switch, the assertion stated.

Last month, HAL and General Electric General Electric signed an MoU to doubtlessly manufacture the F-414 engine for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft-MK2 topic to licence approval from the U.S. Congress. India has been on the lookout for a extra highly effective engine to energy the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) underneath growth.

“Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of our ties. It is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries. France is an important partner in Make in India and self-reliant India,” Mr. Modi stated on the joint press assertion together with French President Emmanuel Macron forward of the bilateral talks at Elysee Palace.

On Thursday, the Defence Acquisition Council had accorded preliminary approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters to function off India’s plane carriers and three extra Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France.

The two leaders additionally welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mazgon Dockyard Ltd., Mumbai and Naval Group for the development of three extra Scorpene submarines. “India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance,” the assertion stated.

Further, different defence industrial partnership initiatives are a contract being concluded between Safran and HAL for the “Transfer of Technology of Forging and Castings” for the Shakti Engine which powers HAL-built helicopters. “Another MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), and Naval Group France, a leader in European Naval Defence Industry, to collaborate in the field of surface ship that caters to fulfil the requirement of India and International Naval forces” was additionally signed, the joint assertion acknowledged.

Both nations are additionally working in the direction of adopting a highway map on Defence Industrial Cooperation and in view of the uptick in defence industrial collaborations India is establishing a Technical Office of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its embassy in Paris, the assertion stated.

Bastille Day parade

Referring to the Bastille Day parade the place he was the chief visitor, Mr. Modi stated all of us noticed the fly-past of Indian Rafale jets, whereas an Indian Navy ship was additionally current in a port of France whereas contingents all three Services marched.

Mr. Macron too talked of the lengthy historical past of Indian troops in each the World Wars. “I was proud to see the Punjab Regiment here in the heart of Paris,” he stated.

He stated the 2 nations have recognized new areas of cooperation – metal, area, power, and civil nuclear – and likewise introduced liberalisation of visa programs for college students which was welcomed by Mr. Modi. The French President additionally talked of sending extra French college students to India, with the goal being 30,000 by 2030.

On the worldwide scenario, Mr. Modi stated the consequences of the COVID pandemic and the Ukraine battle have been felt throughout the globe. “They have had a particularly negative impact on the countries of the Global South. It’s a matter on concern. We believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to resolve all issues.”

“In the war against terrorism, India and France have always been together. We believe that strong actions are needed to stop cross-border terrorism, and both the nations have agreed to enhance co-operation in this direction,” the PM stated.

Stating that India and France have a particular accountability in sustaining peace and tranquillity within the Indo-Pacific area, the PM stated, “As resident powers of Indo-Pacific region, India and France working on Indo-Pacific cooperation road map.”

After collaborating within the Bastille Day parade, PM Modi attended lunch hosted by the President of National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet at her official residence. “Discussions covered issues related to Parliamentary cooperation between the two countries and the areas of bilateral ties including trade, economy, technology, culture and environment. The two leaders highlighted shared values of democracy, liberty, equality and fraternity between the two countries. French side expressed admiration for vast electoral process in India,” spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi stated on Twitter.

Later Mr. Modi met with outstanding personalities each from France and of Indian origin. This included Charlotte Chopin who started practising yoga on the age of fifty. She’s going to show 100 quickly however her ardour in the direction of yoga and health has solely elevated through the years, Mr. Modi stated on Twitter. Others embody Thomas Pasquet, famend French astronaut, pilot and actor, and Leena Nair, world CEO of luxurious model Chanel. On the assembly with Ms. Nair, Mr. Modi tweeted, “It’s always a delight to meet a person of Indian origin who has made a mark at the world stage. We had a great conversation about ways to further boost skill development among artisans and to make Khadi more popular.”

After the bilateral talks, PM Modi and President Macron attended the CEOs discussion board adopted by a banquet dinner in Louvre. Mr. Modi departed for Abu Dhabi simply previous midnight.

Mr. Modi additionally stated the 2 nations had agreed to launch India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France. In civil nuclear cooperation, Mr. Modi stated the 2 nations are discussing small, superior modular reactors. “We are looking to increase cooperation between our defence space agencies,” he stated additionally speaking of cooperation in space-based maritime area consciousness.