NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced their commitment to deepening Indo-French strategic and defence cooperation during Modiโs February 10-12 visit to France.
The Joint Statement issued on the visit of PM Narendra Modi to France underscored key advancements in military collaboration, technology sharing, and defence industrial partnerships, all aligned with the Horizon 2047 roadmap.
Thank you France!
A productive visit concludes, where I attended programmes ranging from AI, commerce, energy and cultural linkages.
Gratitude to President @EmmanuelMacron and the people of France. pic.twitter.com/dLkzPdJOsz
โ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2025
The Horizon 2047 roadmap has set the course for the next 25 years, which will mark 100 years of Indiaโs independence and diplomatic relations between both countries.
Defence Cooperation: Scorpรจne, Pinaka, and More
A major highlight of the discussions was the deepening defence collaboration between India and France.
The leaders commended progress in the construction of Scorpรจne-class submarines in India, particularly the ongoing integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems into P75 submarines.
France also supported Indiaโs push towards integrating an Integrated Combat System (ICS) into the future P75-AS submarines.
Further, both sides welcomed continued discussions on the co-development of missiles, helicopter engines, and jet engines.
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Prime Minister Modi invited the French Army to explore the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBLR), highlighting that its acquisition by France would mark a new milestone in Indo-French defence ties. Meanwhile, President Macron welcomed Indiaโs inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) programme programme managed by OCCAR.
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) is an intergovernmental body led by France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, dedicated to managing and facilitating collaborative European defence programs. India recently gained observer status in the Eurodrone programme, marking a significant step in its engagement with European defence initiatives.
The leaders also appreciated the increased tempo of joint military exercises, particularly naval drills and joint patrolling. The recent visit of Franceโs Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group to India in January 2025 and the upcoming Varuna exercise in March 2025.
Strengthening Defence Innovation and R&D
To enhance defence innovation, India and France launched FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence), a collaborative platform bringing together defence startups, investors, incubators, and academia. This initiative aligns with Horizon 2047 and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap, fostering joint R&D in next-generation defence technologies.
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In addition, the leaders stressed the early launch of an R&D framework through a Technical Arrangement between DRDO and Franceโs Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
Ongoing talks between Indiaโs DRDO and Franceโs ONERA (National Aerospace Research Office) were also highlighted, aiming to identify potential research collaborations in aerospace and defence technology.
India will host the next Global AI Summit
This was PM Modiโs sixth visit to France, and follows President Macronโs visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India.
Both the leaders held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the next Global AI Summit, a move welcomed by France, reaffirming their shared commitment to AI innovation and collaboration.
