India-France Strategic Dialogue Boosts Defence Partnership

The India-France strategic defence partnership is set to make significant strides, as the Emmanuel Macron government prepares to offer robust support for the construction of nuclear attack submarines and 100% transfer of technology (ToT) for 110 kilo-Newton (KN) thrust aircraft engines. In addition, advanced underwater drones with full capabilities are on the agenda, further strengthening India’s naval prowess.

This crucial dialogue, set between September 30 and October 1 in Paris, will see India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval engage with French President Macron’s diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne. The bilateral meeting marks the first high-level strategic dialogue following President Macron’s visit to India in January.

The India-France defence partnership has long been a cornerstone of India’s goal for strategic autonomy, with both nations sharing a commitment to strengthening military capabilities. Doval is expected to meet Macron during his visit, further discussing India’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has seen France’s full support.

India-France Unite for Advanced Defence Cooperation

India’s defence sector is poised to gain from France’s extensive offer, particularly with regards to nuclear submarine construction. This comes at a pivotal time when the Indian Navy has been actively engaging with top levels of the Modi government for approval to build two nuclear attack submarines to enhance maritime security and expand future operational capabilities.

Alongside this, France has also proposed the transfer of autonomous systems covering air, surface, and underwater domains, which will substantially boost India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This move will further protect Indian naval assets, including its expanding fleet of submarines.

A Breakthrough in Aircraft Engines: 110KN Thrust Technology Transfer

One of the most notable developments from this India-France strategic dialogue is the potential collaboration on 110KN thrust aircraft engines. The Kolkata-born Chairman of Safran Engines, Ross McInnes, recently proposed an ambitious plan to jointly design, develop, and produce these powerful engines for India’s future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The offer includes a complete transfer of technology (ToT), including for critical hot engine sections. This would not only make India a co-owner of the technology but would also allow India to export the engines to third countries without restrictions, further positioning India as a leading defence exporter. Moreover, Safran is offering expertise in advanced metallurgy and engineering, ensuring that India’s defence manufacturing base is self-sufficient for generations to come.

This advanced engine technology is expected to be the backbone of India’s next-generation fighter jets, and Safran has pledged long-term collaboration to upgrade these engines for future versions of the AMCA.

India-France: Strengthening Indo-Pacific Collaboration

While defence is the centerpiece of this dialogue, India and France are also looking to deepen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region of critical strategic importance for both nations. The Indian Ocean, in particular, will see enhanced collaboration, with both countries being resident powers in the region.

Doval and Bonne will also address other geopolitical challenges, including the situation in Bangladesh and the upcoming elections in Sri Lanka. The Middle East conflict, particularly the threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi forces, will be a key subject of discussion, alongside the India-Middle-East Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure initiative that France strongly supports.

Expanding the India-France Defence Partnership

The India-France partnership has long been known for its collaboration in cutting-edge defence technology. France has been a trusted supplier of advanced weaponry to India, and this dialogue promises to deepen that bond. Negotiations are underway for India to acquire 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for its two aircraft carriers, and France’s Naval Group is expected to jointly build three more Kalvari-class diesel attack submarines under India’s Project 75 initiative.

Additionally, the Indian Air Force is in talks with France to expand its fleet of Rafale fighters, a critical move to enhance its depleting squadron strength. France’s willingness to provide full ToT across various defence sectors—from aircraft engines to submarines and space cooperation—underscores the central role this partnership plays in India’s military future.

Also Read:US Tech Layoffs and Visa Changes Create Crisis for Indian Workers