France, 15th July 2023: A joint statement released by the government of India and France on Friday stated that, India is establishing a technical office of the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) in its embassy in Paris, this comes as the two countries’ defence cooperation grows.
According to the statement, France is one of India’s most essential friends in developing a self-sufficient defence industrial and technological foundation.
The statement read, “The co-development and co-production of cutting-edge defence technologies for the benefit of third nations is a joint commitment of India and France. To this end, both countries are also working towards adopting a Roadmap on Defence Industrial Cooperation.”
It was also mentioned that during PM Modi’s two-day official visit to France, during which he served as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade, the two countries praised the timely delivery of the 36 Rafale jets ordered by India.
The statement further added, “In line with their outstanding cooperation in military aviation spanning over five decades, India and France welcome the timely delivery of the 36 Rafale ordered by India.”
The two leaders backed Safran Helicopter Engine’s (France) industrial cooperation for heavy-lift helicopter motorization under the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter [IMRH] programme.
To aid the advancement of the IMRH programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India and Safran Helicopter Engine in France struck a shareholders’ agreement for engine development.
Furthermore, India and France lauded the success of the first Scorpene submarine construction programme (P75 – Kalvari), a model of Make in India and the exchange of naval expertise between the two countries, according to the statement.
According to ANI, the two countries also hailed the MoU between Mazgon Dockyard Ltd and Naval Group for the construction of three further submarines under the P75 programme.
According to the statement, India and France are willing to pursue further ambitious projects to improve the Indian submarine fleet’s performance.
On Friday, PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day, at the invitation of President Macron. The magnificent procession, which included contingents from the Indian armed forces, took place in Paris under bright and clear skies on the Champs-Élysées.
This year also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the two countries’ strategic cooperation.
