The 36th India-France Strategic Dialogue took place, and it paved the way for more high-level discussions in March. Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be seen by diplomatic advisor Bonne.
While the Modi government is tight-lipped about the dialogue, India is building self-reliance in weapons and hardware platforms with the help of key allies like France in the face of rising militarization by China as once upon a time key supplier Russia bogged down in Ukraine war.
In addition to seeking a 100 percent technology transfer for its indigenous twin-engine fighter aircraft, India is also developing and building next-generation, highly potent military and civilian engines for fighter and transport platforms. Already, the Tata Group and Airbus have a manufacturing agreement for the C295 tactical transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. In a partnership with France, this line will be extended into the production of further military and civilian aircraft.
With Kalveri (French Scorpene) class submarine line to deliver its final submarine this year, India is looking towards France to continue the manufacturing line at Mumbai dockyards with diesel attack submarines retrofitted with indigenous air independent propulsion (AIP) system for long endurance.