India-France Defense and Technological Collaborations
India and France have strengthened their defense ties during a summit between Prime Ministers of both the nations. The leaders agreed on the early launch of an R&D framework for cooperation in defence technologies.
Key Agreements and Collaborations
- Development of R&D partnerships between the French state agency DGA and India's DRDO.
- Identification of technologies for R&D with France’s ONERA and DRDO.
Modi invited the French army to evaluate the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system (MBLR), suggesting its acquisition would mark a significant milestone in bilateral defence relations.
Declarations and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
- Intent to establish a partnership on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors.
- Joint declaration on Triangular Development Cooperation for the Indo-Pacific region.
- India-France declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure AI norms reflect democratic values and promote human development.
Technological and Strategic Cooperation
- Strengthening collaboration in technology and innovation was a key discussion point.
- Continued cooperation in air and maritime assets aligns with the defense industrial roadmap agreed in 2024.
- Progress in the construction of French-designed P75-Scorpene submarines in India, emphasizing indigenization and the integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).
