India, France Unveil Ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap, Boost Space Cooperation

India and France have unveiled an ambitious defence industrial roadmap, firmed up a space situational awareness programme, and announced joint projects in various sectors, including defence, space, healthcare, and scientific research.

On January 26, India and France unveiled an ambitious defence industrial roadmap to co-develop critical military hardware. The two countries also firmed up a space situational awareness programme and announced a joint venture between the Tata Group and Airbus to build H125 helicopters. These developments were announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Key Outcomes of Modi-Macron Talks

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra announced several key outcomes of the Modi-Macron talks, including a scheme for the exchange of professionals between the ages of 18 and 35, and the activation of Schengen visas with a five-year validity for Indian postgraduate alumni of French institutions.

Nine Agreements Signed

India and France signed a total of nine agreements covering various areas of cooperation, including defence-space partnership, satellite launches, healthcare, and scientific research. The defence industrial roadmap and the Tata-Airbus deal were among the most significant agreements.

Operationalisation of UPI at Eiffel Tower

The two countries also announced the operationalisation of India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) at the Eiffel Tower, enabling Indian tourists to make digital payments using their smartphones.

Civil-Nuclear Energy Cooperation

During the talks, both sides discussed various aspects of civil-nuclear energy cooperation, including the possibility of collaboration on small modular reactors (SMRs). The discussions were described as "very positive" and "forward leaning."

Concern over Middle-East Conflict

Modi and Macron expressed grave concern about the potential expansion of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea, which has significant economic implications. They emphasised the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and respecting international law in the region.

Attracting Indian Students to France

President Macron reiterated France's intention to attract up to 30,000 Indian students annually to French institutions of higher learning.

Tata-Airbus Deal for Helicopter Assembly

The joint statement welcomed the decision of Airbus and the Tata Advanced System to begin the assembly of civilian helicopters in India, making them the first private sector companies to produce helicopters in the country.

Defence Industrial Roadmap

The two leaders welcomed the adoption of an ambitious defence industrial roadmap aimed at deepening the integration between the defence sectors of India and France. The roadmap focuses on co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence equipment, not only for India's needs but also for export to other friendly countries.

Progress in Defence Collaboration

The joint statement highlighted progress in various defence collaboration projects, including the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP engines in India by Safran, plans for an MRO for Rafale engines, a comprehensive helicopter partnership with a joint venture for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) engine, and the construction of Scorpene submarines in India.

Space Situational Awareness Programme

The pact on defence space partnership will facilitate joint work on a space situational awareness programme, which is crucial for developing military satellites and sharing information on space traffic and debris.

Technology Collaboration in Defence

Foreign Secretary Kwatra explained that the defence roadmap will enable technology collaboration in various areas, including air, space, underwater domain awareness, land warfare, robotics, cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles and platforms.

India-France Year of Innovation

The two countries agreed to celebrate 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation.

Cooperation in Space

A pact between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and the French space agency Arianespace aims to co-develop, manufacture, and launch satellites and payloads, as well as conduct research in new launch vehicle technologies.

Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific

Modi and Macron discussed ongoing cooperation between India and France in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific.

Civil-Nuclear Cooperation

Kwatra stated that India and France are continuing discussions on civil-nuclear cooperation, focusing on localisation, financial viability, and cost-effectiveness.

Small Modular Reactors

The foreign secretary described small modular reactors (SMRs) as a relatively new area of discussion between the two countries, emphasising the need for technological and viability considerations.

Condemnation of Terrorist Attacks

Both Modi and Macron strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel. They also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Support for Two-State Solution

The two leaders reaffirmed their support for a political process leading to a two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people as a means to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

Combating Terrorism

Modi and Macron reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts.

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India and the subsequent talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in several significant agreements and announcements. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership across various sectors, including defence, space, healthcare, and scientific research. The outcomes of the Modi-Macron talks underscore the strong and growing ties between India and France.