India and France have taken significant steps to deepen their defence cooperation, agreeing to procure three submarines for the Indian Navy and collaborate on developing jet and helicopter engines. Additionally, the two nations plan to introduce the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system in Europe by September.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Paris, resulting in a series of agreements to enhance strategic partnership. Defence cooperation was a central focus, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to co-produce military platforms for themselves and friendly third countries.
The discussions included security cooperation encompassing joint development of defence hardware and space-based maritime domain awareness. Peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region featured prominently in Modi's remarks, aligning with Macron's efforts to bolster alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing assertiveness.
The agreements included a preliminary deal for India to purchase 26 additional Rafale fighter jets and three more Scorpene submarines, building upon existing contracts. By year-end, a roadmap for joint development of a combat aircraft engine is also set for preparation between France's Safran and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Further industrial cooperation was supported for India's multi-role helicopter program with France's Safran, and technology transfer agreements for the Shakti engine were concluded between Safran Helicopter Engine and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Regarding UPI, an agreement between India's NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and France's Lyra Collect will introduce the payment mechanism in France and Europe by September. The Eiffel Tower will be among the first merchants in France to accept UPI.
Modi and Macron acknowledged the scope for deepening cooperation in various sectors, from defense space agencies to MRO facilities and helicopter engine production in India. Civil nuclear collaboration, renewable energy, and countering plastics were also highlighted as potential areas for partnership.
The two leaders underscored their nations' roles as resident powers in the Indo-Pacific, taking responsibility for peace and stability in the region. An Indo-Pacific cooperation roadmap and a proposal for an Indo-Pacific triangular development cooperation fund are under discussion to foster innovation and start-ups.
The successful launch of India's Chandrayaan moon mission exemplifies the strong cooperation between Indian and French space agencies. New agreements have been finalized for satellite launch services, land and sea temperature measurements, weather monitoring, including the Trishna satellite.
People-to-people contacts between India and France will be further strengthened, with the opening of a new consulate in Marseilles. Both countries recognize the importance of building a developed nation and regard each other as natural partners in this journey.
