In a move set to significantly boost India's defence capabilities, France has offered full transfer of technology (ToT) for 110 kilo-Newton thrust aircraft engines and underwater drones, and has expressed willingness to support India's construction of nuclear attack submarines.
These developments are expected to be major talking points during the upcoming India-France strategic dialogue between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and French President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne in Paris.
This strategic dialogue comes at a crucial time when India is actively seeking to enhance its naval prowess, with the Indian Navy reportedly approaching the government regarding the need for nuclear attack submarines.
France's offer to assist in this endeavor, along with its offer of full-spectrum autonomous systems for air, surface, and underwater domains, could substantially bolster India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Another significant aspect of the dialogue will be the potential collaboration on aircraft engines. Safran, a French company with a history of collaboration with India's space agency ISRO, has offered to jointly design, develop, certify, and produce 110 KN engines for India's future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
This offer includes 100% ToT, even for the critical hot engine sections, and promises Indian ownership of the jointly developed engine with the freedom to export it without restrictions.
The strengthening of the India-France strategic defence partnership is seen as pivotal for India's strategic autonomy. The two nations are already collaborating in various defence domains, including the potential acquisition of Rafale-Maritime fighters for India's aircraft carriers and the joint construction of Kalvari class diesel attack submarines.
Beyond defence, the dialogue is expected to cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Indian Ocean. The Middle East conflict, the targeting of commercial shipping by Houthis in the Red Sea, the situation in Bangladesh, and the elections in Sri Lanka are also likely to be discussed.
France's comprehensive support for India's defence aspirations, encompassing critical technologies and strategic cooperation, highlights the deepening trust and alignment between the two nations. It also underlines France's commitment to supporting India's rise as a major power in the Indo-Pacific region.
