India and France Extend Defence Cooperation with Joint Development of Combat Aircraft Engine

India and France have decided to expand their groundbreaking defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine. The announcement came following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

As part of their commitment to building sovereign defence capabilities, a roadmap for the project will be prepared before the end of this year between French company Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Additionally, the two nations will collaborate on industrial cooperation for the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program with Safran Helicopter Engine.

The joint statement, titled ‘Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations,’ emphasizes the partnership’s focus on security and sovereignty. It highlights France as a key partner for India in developing a self-reliant defence industrial and technological base.

“These ventures are in line with the spirit of trust that prevails between India and France in the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks, based on the successful Indo-French experience in technology transfer,” it said.

Both nations are committed to cooperating in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, not only for their own benefit but also for the benefit of third countries. The statement also acknowledges the successful delivery of the 36 Rafale aircraft ordered by India and expresses the intention to extend their collaboration in advanced aeronautical technologies.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1947, and the upgrading of the partnership to the strategic level in 1998, our two countries have consistently acted together, building on a high level of mutual trust, shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and common values rooted in international law,” it said.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, both countries agree to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047, which will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, the centenary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and 50 years of the strategic partnership.”

To facilitate progress on the IMRH program, a Shareholders’ Agreement has been concluded between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engine for engine development. These initiatives build upon the existing trust and experience in technology transfer between India and France.

Discussions between the DRDO and French engine maker Safran for co-developing engines for the fifth-generation fighter and the AMCA are progressing well. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has also been engaged in talks with French firms for co-developing engines for the Indian multirole helicopter in the above 12-tonne class.

“They agree to work within the framework of a partnership between equals, in consonance with their respective sovereign and strategic interests, as they have done since 1998. In order to further deepen this Strategic Partnership, and in keeping with universal values of liberty, equality, democracy and the rule of law, India and France have decided to strengthen cooperation in the sectors of the future, so as to reinforce their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy, and to respond together to the major challenges confronting our planet, including through the cooperation between India and the European Union.” 

The joint statement affirms that India and France are longstanding strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes their commitment to a rules-based order, international peace, and stability. The two countries have agreed to adopt a roadmap that will guide their bilateral relationship until 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence, diplomatic relations, and 50 years of the strategic partnership.

India and France intend to strengthen cooperation in future sectors, enhance their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy, and address global challenges together, including through cooperation between India and the European Union.

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