Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

India and France: A New Era in Defence Collaboration

Key Agreements and Strategic Developments

India and France: A New Era in Defence Collaboration

  • 03 Feb, 2024
  • 284

Introduction

India and France have significantly advanced their defence collaboration, marking a new era in bilateral ties. This strategic partnership was strengthened during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in Jaipur.

Defence Industrial Roadmap

A major outcome of this visit was the adoption of a Defence Industrial Roadmap. This agreement focuses on the ‘co-design, co-development, and co-production’ of military equipment, aiming to not only meet the defence needs of India but also to provide reliable defence supplies to other friendly nations.

Key Agreements and Projects

  • Maintenance and Overhaul Facilities: The establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for LEAP engines by Safran, with plans to expand to Rafale engines.
  • Helicopter and Submarine Production: A comprehensive partnership involving a joint venture for IMRH engine between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Safran, and the ongoing production and indigenization of Scorpene submarines in India.
  • Development of Advanced Fighter Jet Engine - Shakti: Collaborative effort aimed at developing the Shakti engine to power HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with discussions ongoing between Safran, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and other Indian agencies.
  • Naval Aviation Expansion: India is in talks with France to procure Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, with recent bids received for Rafale-M jets and Scorpene submarines.
  • Private Sector Involvement: A significant development is the decision of Airbus and Tata Advanced System to begin assembling civilian helicopters in India, marking the entry of private sector companies in helicopter manufacturing.

Broader Strategic Cooperation

The partnership extends to space cooperation, with agreements between NSIL and Arianespace, and discussions on deeper collaboration in resilient cyber infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence.

International Peace and Security

Both leaders condemned the terrorist attack on Israel and emphasized the need for respect of international humanitarian law, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

Vision for Lasting Peace

The discussions also touched upon the need for a ‘two-state solution’ for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, expressing concern over the conflict’s potential expansion. This comprehensive partnership between India and France represents a significant step towards strengthening their strategic alliance, with implications for global peace and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Defence Industrial Roadmap between India and France?
Answer: The Defence Industrial Roadmap focuses on co-design, co-development, and co-production of military equipment to meet India's defence needs while supplying friendly nations.

Q2. What are the key projects involved in the India-France defence collaboration?
Answer: Key projects include MRO facilities for LEAP engines, joint ventures for helicopter production, and the development of the Shakti engine for HAL’s AMCA.

Q3. How does the partnership extend to cybersecurity?
Answer: The collaboration involves discussions on resilient cyber infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence, enhancing mutual security in the digital realm.

Q4. What is the significance of the two-state solution discussed by India and France?
Answer: The two-state solution is seen as essential for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, addressing ongoing conflicts and promoting stability in the region.

Q5. How is the private sector involved in India’s defence manufacturing?
Answer: The partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems marks the entry of the private sector in assembling civilian helicopters, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What was a major outcome of President Macron's visit to India?
A) Establishment of new trade routes
B) Adoption of a Defence Industrial Roadmap
C) Signing of a peace treaty
D) Launch of a cultural exchange program
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which engine is being developed for HAL’s AMCA?
A) Rafale Engine
B) Shakti Engine
C) LEAP Engine
D) Scorpene Engine
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the purpose of the MRO facilities established by Safran in India?
A) To manufacture civilian aircraft
B) To maintain and overhaul LEAP engines
C) To train pilots
D) To produce drones
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which jet is India looking to procure for its navy?
A) MiG-29
B) Rafale Marine jets
C) F-16
D) Tejas
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How does the India-France partnership relate to international peace?
A) By promoting trade
B) Through military cooperation
C) By addressing global conflicts
D) Through cultural exchanges
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: What is a significant aspect of the Airbus-Tata partnership?
A) Launching a new airline
B) Assembling civilian helicopters
C) Manufacturing military jets
D) Building airports
Correct Answer: B

 

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Kutos : AI Assistant!
India and France: A New Era in Defence Collaboration
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!