New Delhi: India and France are trying to hold crucial discussions on a whole range of defence, security and strategic issues, including submarines, civilian nuclear program and fighter jets, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France. Bastille Day Next week, ThePrint found out.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday held discussions with Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel MacronIEmmanuel Bonne, who is visiting India.
Sources in the defense and security establishment said the talks between the two were a sequel to the strategic dialogue and part of preparations for Modi’s visit.
The sources underlined the importance of Modi’s two-day visit to France, saying Paris is a major partner in defence, space and nuclear technology.
Asked about the projects under discussion between the two sides, the sources said France has offered to build additional Scorpene submarines.
While six Scorpene submarines have been built in India so far – in a technology transfer agreement with French firm Naval Group – the Indian Navy is pursuing Project 75 India to build new underwater vessels with a different technology. Are.
The French are out of the race for the new project as they do not meet the prime tender requirements of the Indian Navy.
jet engine, nuclear power reactor
Another project that has been in the news for a long time is the joint development of a more powerful jet engine that will power India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) through 100 per cent technology transfer, which will be developed by the US. India and India). The US has agreed on joint manufacturing of a jet engine to power the indigenous Tejas Mk 2 fighter jet, but does not involve 100 per cent technology transfer).
For this the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is Talks are already underway with French firm Safran But the process is stuck over the part of the work and the cost.
Another major project under discussion is a government-to-government deal for the purchase of Rafale seaplanes for the Indian Navy.
As reported by ThePrintThe Indian Navy has selected the Rafale Marine over the American F/A-18 Super Hornet for its aircraft carrier operations.
France has also offered to partner with India in terms of transfer of technology for key missiles and to jointly manufacture them in India.
French Ambassador in New Delhi Emmanuel Lenain did told ThePrint It said earlier this year that France is a “great option” for India to diversify its defense supplies amid heavy dependence on Russia and Paris is ready to do everything possible to ensure that.
India and France are considering expediting the delayed project to set up a nuclear power reactor at Jaitapur in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
It is France’s largest civilian nuclear project abroad and has been in the news for more than 14 years.
(Editing by Sunanda Ranjan)
Read also: France replaces Russia as India’s new best friend in Modi era