NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that India and France are "natural partners" and are preparing a roadmap called "Horizon 2047" for strategic cooperation in the next 25 years. This initiative comes after celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of strategic ties between the two countries in 1998.
Modi mentioned that discussions are underway regarding the co-development and co-production of defence platforms, including naval fighter aircraft and submarines.
He emphasised that such collaborations could meet the requirements of friendly third countries, highlighting the significance of India-France defence ties as a key pillar of cooperation.
While there was no announcement regarding India's acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy, foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra clarified that the defence partnership extends beyond any single acquisition.
Modi reiterated his commitment to self-reliance through co-production and co-development. However, it was announced that three additional Scorpene submarines will be constructed in India.
The Horizon 2047 document states the intention to extend the defence cooperation into advanced aeronautical technologies, including joint development of a combat aircraft engine. It also mentions industrial cooperation for the motorisation of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program.
The successful collaboration on the Scorpene submarine construction programme (P75 - Kalvari) was hailed as a model of "Make in India" and knowledge-sharing between the two countries. Furthermore, it was stated that India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects for the development and performance of the Indian submarine fleet.
During the visit, 12 agreements were signed in strategic areas, scientific cooperation, institutional cooperation, and space, while 11 announcements were made in political/strategic areas, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.
Modi and President Macron agreed that their defence and security partnership is strong and covers various domains, including seabed to space. They highlighted their economic ties, reinforcing prosperity and sovereignty, and advancing resilient supply chains.
Modi also announced that France will lead the maritime resource pillar of the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. Both nations expressed their commitment to combating pollution caused by single-use plastic products. They discussed cooperation in renewable and green energy, artificial intelligence, cyber security, semiconductors, digital technology, and climate change.
Modi mentioned France's support in developing facilities for maintenance, research, and overhaul (MRO), spare parts, and helicopter engine manufacturing in India. He also highlighted France's participation in the new national museum planned in New Delhi.
The Joint Communique stated that India and France share a relationship based on shared values, sovereignty, strategic autonomy, commitment to international law, and the UN Charter. They emphasised their quest for a stable multipolar world and their responsibility for peace, stability, and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the Bastille Day Parade, Modi attended as the Guest of Honour, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
The participation of the Indian armed forces contingent symbolised the historical ties between India and France, as Indian troops had fought on French territory during World War I. The Punjab Regiment and the Rajputana Rifles Regiment led the Indian Army contingent, while Rafale Jets from the Indian Air Force performed a flypast.
July 14 marks the French National Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution, symbolising the democratic values of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity."
