During the visit of President Emmanuel Macron, France has conveyed that there are "no limits" to tech-sharing with India.
New Delhi: India and France have signed an ambitious and unprecedented Defence Space Agreement that could see the two countries launch military satellites with both offensive and defensive capabilities, people familiar with the matter said. The deal, not publicised or spoken of, was quietly signed by French Defence Minister Sebastien Locornu and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on January 26, even as French President Emmanuel Macron was attending the “At Home” Republic Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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| France President Emmanuel Marcon with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India Visit as a Guest of Honour in India's 75th Republic Celebration. (Photo- Video Captured) |
India and France Signed Pact for Joint Military Satellite Development
The Letter of Intent (LoI) on the Defence Space Partnership signed between the two countries opens the door for the two allies to partner in the area of space defence and to together build defence capacities and operational capabilities for better global situational awareness, protection of communication and surveillance satellites, and making the battle-field more transparent in air, land and sea. This emergence unfolded in the aftermath of recent assaults on vessels and cargoes within the maritime expanse of the Arabian and Red Seas.
While the Modi government is tight-lipped about the defence space partnership with France, India’s oldest civilian space partner, the LoI paves the way for the space agencies of the two countries to jointly develop and launch military satellites to protect national security interests. The military satellites will not only protect the space assets of India in the worst-case scenario but also track the moves of adversaries.
It is learnt that President Emmanuel Macron conveyed to his Indian interlocutors that there are “no limits” to French support to India in defence including designing, developing, manufacturing and certification of new platforms that will be specifically built to suit the requirements of the two countries.
“India and France have decided to invest in a long-term relationship with the two countries on the same page politically on Houthis, and the Gaza war, with nuanced difference over the Ukraine war given that France is part of the EU,” said a top interlocutor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
During the French President’s two-day visit to India, PM Narendra Modi laid out the red carpet for Macron with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accompanying him everywhere, from arrival to departure. It is learnt that after the Jaipur roadshow, President Macron was amazed to find growing pro-incumbency for PM Modi even after a decade at the helm.
With the global situation volatile — in an arc from Morocco to Iran due to the Gaza war and in South East Asia due to the hegemony of China — India and France have decided to support each other, based on independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy. France has also activated a five-year Schengen visa scheme for Indian youth to get access to the best of skills in French universities.
France is willing to support India in developing top-of-the-line defence platforms such as fighter aircraft engines, nuclear attack submarines and underwater drones, all locally made, and the defence industrial roadmap announced by the two leaders will not only make India self-reliant for the long term but also build an industrial base in the country. This will create jobs and reduce India’s dependency on foreign imports. The two countries have also decided to manufacture in India and export to third countries.
Macron's Pledge of Limitless Tech-Sharing Strengthens Indo-French Ties
Amidst the signing of the Letter of Intent (LoI) on the Defence Space Partnership, President Macron conveyed a resounding message during his visit: there are "no limits" to tech-sharing with India. The LoI opens avenues for collaboration in space defense, fostering joint efforts to enhance global situational awareness, safeguard communication and surveillance satellites, and elevate transparency in air, land, and sea operations. In an exclusive revelation, it has been disclosed that the agreement allows the two nations to coalesce their efforts in designing, developing, and launching military satellites endowed with both offensive and defensive capabilities. This marks a pivotal step in ensuring the protection of national security interests, not only fortifying India's space assets but also closely monitoring adversary movements.
While the Modi government remains tight-lipped about this strategic partnership, insiders suggest that the Defence Space Agreement heralds a new era of cooperation, cementing India and France as stalwart allies in the realm of space defense.
The diplomatic finesse displayed during President Macron's visit showcased a united front between India and France on various geopolitical issues, including shared perspectives on the Houthis, the Gaza war, and nuanced differences over the Ukraine conflict. The leaders underscored their commitment to a long-term relationship, strengthening their alliance against the backdrop of global volatility.
President Emmanuel Macron's affirmation of unwavering support extends beyond space defense, encompassing the collaborative development of cutting-edge military platforms. France's commitment to aiding India in producing locally made fighter aircraft engines, nuclear attack submarines, and underwater drones aligns with the shared vision of self-reliance and industrial growth. The strategic roadmap unveiled during the visit aims not only to reduce India's dependency on foreign imports but also to create employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
In a bid to fortify ties and provide Indian youth with access to world-class education, France has activated a five-year Schengen visa scheme. This initiative aims to facilitate Indian students' entry into French universities, ensuring the exchange of skills and knowledge between the two nations.
President Macron's unequivocal directive to his ministers emphasizes the need for unhindered collaboration, granting India unrestricted access to top-of-the-line French technologies. The message is clear: India and France are poised to explore uncharted territories of cooperation, bolstering their strategic partnership across various domains.
In the face of recent upheavals stemming from community tensions, France has proven to be a steadfast and supportive partner for India over the past years. Despite challenges posed by community-related disturbances, the diplomatic ties between the two nations have not only endured but also strengthened, showcasing the resilience of their strategic partnership.
Navigating Challenges - France Stands Strong by India's Side
In the wake of incidents marked by community unrest, France has emerged as a reliable ally for India, demonstrating solidarity during times of turbulence. The enduring partnership between the two nations has defied the odds, emphasizing the depth of their diplomatic relations that transcend momentary challenges. This development in India-France relations has strengthened the enduring interests of both nations.
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