France and India have released a joint statement outlining their cooperation in defense, space intelligence, and nuclear energy. The statement highlights their commitment to meeting the defense needs of the Indian armed forces and providing defense supplies to other friendly countries. Key points from the statement include:
1. Defense Sector Cooperation: India and France will collaborate on various defense projects, such as the establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for LEAP and Rafale engines in India. They also plan to develop comprehensive partnerships in helicopter manufacturing and the indigenization of Scorpene submarines. The two countries are also working together on the development of the fifth-generation fighter jet engine, Shakti.
2. Aerospace Industry Collaboration: Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems will partner to assemble civilian helicopters in India, making them the first private sector companies to produce helicopters in the country. They have already set up a facility for manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft. Furthermore, discussions between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) are ongoing to finalize an Arrangement Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
3. Space Cooperation: Both countries have agreed to take full advantage of opportunities in the space sector through strategic space dialogue and collaborations. They welcomed the MoU between India’s NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace for long-term partnership on satellite launch missions. The leaders also emphasized the significance of cyberspace and called for deeper collaboration on resilient cyber infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence.
4. Nuclear Energy: A special task force on nuclear energy will be established within three months to further enhance cooperation in this field.
In addition to these partnerships, the joint statement also addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing condemnation of the terrorist attack on Israel and solidarity with the Israeli people. Both leaders emphasized the need to respect international humanitarian law, called for a two-state solution for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and expressed concerns about the conflict spilling over into the Red Sea region.
Overall, the joint statement highlights the commitment of India and France to strengthening their bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including defense, aerospace, space intelligence, and nuclear energy. The partnership aims to promote mutual growth, technological advancements, and international stability.
