Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

India-France Defence Partnership Developments in 2023

Strengthening Military Ties for Future Cooperation

India-France Defence Partnership Developments in 2023

  • 13 May, 2024
  • 324

Overview of the India-France Defence Partnership

The defence partnership between India and France is evolving rapidly, marked by significant agreements and high-level exchanges. Central to this alliance are two pivotal documents: Horizon 2047 and the defence industrial roadmap. These agreements, signed during notable visits by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, highlight a commitment to long-term collaboration in defence and technology.

Key Developments in the India-France Defence Partnership

  • Horizon 2047: Signed during Modi's visit to France in July 2023, this strategic roadmap outlines a collaboration framework up to 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India's independence and the golden jubilee of India-France ties. The focus is on enhancing India's defence, industrial, and technological capabilities with French support, strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and advancing efforts in the space sector.
  • Defence Industrial Roadmap: During Macron’s visit to India in January 2024, this roadmap was signed, detailing ambitions for co-designing, co-development, and co-production of defence equipment for both domestic use and export. This aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and covers sectors such as air and space technologies, as well as maritime technology.

Strategic Exchanges and Visits

Recent visits by defence officials from both countries, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan’s trip to France and the visit of Chief of the French Army Staff Pierre Schill to India, emphasize the dynamic nature of this partnership. These exchanges aim to explore futuristic capabilities and enhance cooperation between the defence industries of both nations.

Defence Exports and Technological Transfers

France has emerged as a major defence partner for India, becoming the second-largest defence exporter to the country. Technology transfer agreements, such as Safran's commitment to fully transfer technology for the Shakti jet engine deal, illustrate the depth of this collaboration. These agreements are crucial for developing India’s domestic defence capabilities and ensuring the nation's strategic autonomy.

Co-production and Export Initiatives

The roadmap envisions joint production and export initiatives, potentially targeting regions like the Caucasus. This aspect not only enhances the bilateral relationship but also positions both nations as key players in international defence markets.

Conclusion

The India-France defence partnership is poised for significant expansion in the coming years. The agreements reached and mutual visits underscore a robust strategic alignment, expected to yield substantial advancements in defence technology and capabilities, benefiting both nations while contributing to regional and global security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of the Horizon 2047 document?
Answer: Horizon 2047 outlines a strategic roadmap for collaboration between India and France, aiming to enhance defence capabilities and strengthen ties up to the centenary of India's independence in 2047.

Q2. How does the defence industrial roadmap affect India's defence strategy?
Answer: The defence industrial roadmap fosters co-designing and co-production of defence equipment, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, thus boosting self-reliance in defence production.

Q3. What role do strategic visits play in the partnership?
Answer: Strategic visits by defence officials enhance collaboration, allowing discussions on futuristic capabilities and strengthening ties between the defence industries of India and France.

Q4. Why is technology transfer important in this partnership?
Answer: Technology transfer agreements, like those with Safran, are crucial for building India's domestic defence capabilities and ensuring strategic autonomy from foreign dependency.

Q5. What are the future prospects of the India-France defence partnership?
Answer: Future prospects include expanded cooperation in defence technology, joint production initiatives, and strengthened bilateral ties, contributing to regional and global security.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the aim of the Horizon 2047 document in the India-France defence partnership?
A) Enhance cultural ties
B) Develop defence capabilities until 2047
C) Promote trade relations
D) Strengthen economic cooperation
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which initiative aligns with the defence industrial roadmap of India?
A) Make in India
B) Skill India
C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
D) Digital India
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Who signed the defence industrial roadmap during Macron's visit to India?
A) Prime Minister Modi
B) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
C) Chief of Defence Staff
D) French Army Chief
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is a key focus of the strategic exchanges between India and France?
A) Cultural exchange
B) Military cooperation
C) Economic partnerships
D) Tourism enhancement
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What type of agreements illustrates the depth of the India-France defence partnership?
A) Trade agreements
B) Technology transfer agreements
C) Cultural exchange agreements
D) Economic cooperation agreements
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which country has become the second-largest defence exporter to India?
A) Russia
B) USA
C) France
D) Israel
Correct Answer: C

 

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-France Defence Partnership Developments in 2023
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!