India and France have agreed to fortify their collaboration in defence and aerospace, and have unveiled a defence industrial partnership roadmap. This roadmap signifies a landmark agreement, outlining plans for joint endeavors in the co-development and co-production of critical military hardware and platforms. The partnership extends its reach into crucial domains such as space, land warfare, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence, reflecting a holistic approach to bolstering security measures.
The outcomes of the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, as announced by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, showcase the depth of this evolving partnership. Notably, the collaboration between Indian conglomerate Tatas and Airbus Helicopters for the production of H125 choppers, with a substantial emphasis on indigenous components, highlights a significant stride towards self-reliance and technological autonomy.
According to the foreign secretary the defence industrial roadmap encompasses a wide spectrum of cooperation, spanning from the realms of robotics and autonomous vehicles to cyber defence.
Kwatra underscored the sealing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between New Space India Ltd and France’s Arianespace for joint efforts in satellite launches, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancements in space technology.
Simultaneously, discussions between Modi and Macron delved into global concerns, particularly addressing the conflict in Gaza. The leaders explored various dimensions, including terrorism and humanitarian aspects, showcasing a shared commitment to navigating complex geopolitical challenges.
The talks also included a thoughtful exchange of perspectives on the evolving security situation in the Red Sea, said the foreign secretary.
Adding, both leaders acknowledged the potential disruptions and actual developments in this strategically significant region, reaffirming their commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation.
Adding a new dimension to this partnership is the aerospace giant Thales, which announced plans to establish an avionics Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) facility in Delhi. This move is poised to bring “trusted” high-tech capabilities to India and stands as a testament to Thales’ commitment to supporting the modernization and indigenization efforts in India’s aerospace and defence sector.
Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director of Thales India, expressed the company’s dedication to supporting India’s domestic defence manufacturing. Describing the decision to set up the avionics MRO in Delhi as a “key initiative,” Saraf emphasized Thales’ active collaboration with the local industry, aligning with the Make-in-India initiative.
In a broader context, the talks in Jaipur between Modi and Macron underscored a shared resolve to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation. The focus extended beyond defence to encompass security, trade, and clean energy, marking a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to Indo-French collaboration.
Thales, a pivotal member of the Rafale Team, has been actively contributing to India’s defence capabilities. The company provides state-of-the-art equipment and systems aboard the Rafale, further solidifying its role in enhancing India’s technological prowess.
In line with its commitment to expanding its local presence, Thales recently inaugurated a second state-of-the-art facility in Bengaluru, signaling a deeper integration into India’s aerospace and defence landscape. As India and France pave the way for intensified cooperation, these developments underline a shared vision for a robust and mutually beneficial partnership.
Key Takeaways from the Bilateral Talks between Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron:
The primary goal of the India-France defence roadmap is to find ways to work together in the defence-industrial sector, especially in advanced areas like robotics, AI, and cyber defence. This roadmap is a strong commitment from both countries to improve their strategic cooperation.
A significant achievement is the partnership between Tata and Airbus Helicopters for making H125 helicopters, strengthening collaboration in defence. During talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron, there was a focus on potential issues and real changes in the maritime domain, specifically in the Red Sea.
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between New Space India Ltd and France’s Arianespace, indicating collaboration in launching satellites and pushing forward space exploration.
The comprehensive roadmap goes beyond defence, covering science, technology, healthcare, education, training, research, public administration, and sustainable agriculture. To celebrate innovation, 2026 is named the “India France Year of Innovation.”
Other notable announcements include the introduction of the Young Professional Scheme, encouraging the exchange of individuals aged 18-35, and an extension of visa validity to five years for Schengen visas for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees.