During French President Emmanuel Macron's two-day state visit to India, significant strides were taken to bolster collaboration in the defense sector, as highlighted by India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra in a post-Republic Day parade press briefing.
Kwatra elucidated the extensive discussions surrounding the development of a comprehensive defense industrial roadmap, which aims to nurture partnerships in cutting-edge technological domains such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, platforms, and cyber defense. This roadmap is meticulously crafted to facilitate technology exchange across diverse arenas encompassing air, space, maritime, and land warfare.
Key takeaways from the briefing include a focal point on identifying opportunities for collaboration in the defense-industrial sector, particularly emphasizing high-tech fields like robotics, AI, and cyber defense. The successful establishment of a robust defence-industrial roadmap underscores the mutual dedication of India and France towards fortifying strategic cooperation.
Furthermore, notable collaborations were unveiled during the visit, exemplified by the industrial partnership between Tata and Airbus Helicopters for producing H125 helicopters, symbolizing a deepening of ties within the defense sector.
Discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron extended to potential disruptions and ongoing developments in the maritime domain, with specific attention drawn to the Red Sea region. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also inked between New Space India Ltd and France's Arianespace, signaling joint efforts in satellite launches and advancing space exploration endeavors.
Beyond the defense sector, the comprehensive industrial roadmap encompasses agreements spanning science and technology, healthcare, education, training, research, public administration, and sustainable agriculture. Embracing the ethos of innovation, 2026 has been designated as the "India France Year of Innovation".
Further announcements include the introduction of the Young Professional Scheme, facilitating the exchange of individuals aged 18-35, and the extension of visa validity to five years for Schengen visas, particularly benefiting Indian students pursuing master's degrees in France.
