Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Jaipur, solidifying India-France cooperation across various sectors, particularly defence, space, and civil-nuclear fields. The discussions culminated in the signing of crucial agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and enhancing regional security.
Defence Industrial Roadmap and Defence Space Partnership:
- Both leaders signed a defence industrial roadmap, aimed at identifying opportunities for co-designing, co-development, and co-production of military hardware. This initiative aims to meet the defence needs of both nations while contributing to security partnerships with other countries.
- A defence space partnership agreement was also inked to facilitate joint work on a space situational awareness program. This program is pivotal for developing military satellites and sharing critical information on space traffic and debris.
Indigenous Helicopter Production and Civil-Nuclear Cooperation:
- Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Airbus Helicopters entered into an industrial partnership for the joint production of H125 helicopters in India, emphasizing indigenous production and localization.
- Discussions on civil-nuclear energy cooperation included positive conversations on small modular reactors (SMRs), highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in this critical sector.
Healthcare, Education, and Sustainable Development:
- Modi and Macron agreed to bolster engagement in healthcare, education, training, research, and sustainable development, marking a significant step towards broader collaboration.
- The year 2026 will be celebrated as the India-France year of innovation, reflecting the commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration between the two nations.
Regional Security and International Cooperation:
- Both leaders exchanged views on regional security concerns, including the situation in the Red Sea and the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of stability and peace.
- Discussions also encompassed ongoing cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the shared commitment to maritime security.
Future Collaborations and Operational Readiness:
- An MoU between New Space India Limited (NSIL) and French space agency Arianespace was signed to enhance cooperation in satellite launches, underscoring joint efforts in space exploration.
- The Indian consulate in Marseille and the French bureau in Hyderabad are now fully operational, following up on decisions made during Modi’s visit to Paris, further facilitating bilateral engagements.
India and France continue to strengthen their defence and strategic ties, with a focus on co-development, co-production of advanced defence technologies, and expanding cooperation in the maritime domain. The agreements and collaborations underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, contributing to regional stability and global security.
Dhairya Saraswat