New Delhi: The strategic defense partnership between India and France is poised to make significant strides, as the French government prepares to discuss the construction of nuclear attack submarines for India. This initiative also includes a commitment to provide 100% transfer of technology for 110-kilo Newton thrust aircraft engines and advanced underwater drones, enhancing Indias military capabilities.Upcoming strategic dialogueKey discussions will take place during the India-France strategic dialogue scheduled for September 30 to October 1. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will meet with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, in Paris. This dialogue marks the first bilateral strategic engagement following Macrons visit to India earlier this year.Doval is expected to meet with Macron as well, providing insights on Indias ongoing efforts to mediate the Ukraine conflict. Macron has shown strong support for Indias initiatives to engage with Russia in efforts to end the war, recognizing the importance of mitigating its effects on nations in the Global South.Recent developments in UkraineEarlier this month, Doval travelled to Russia to brief President Vladimir Putin on Prime Minister Narendra Modis discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding pathways to peace. These diplomatic efforts highlight the role of India as a mediator in global conflicts.Enhancing defense collaborationIndia and France are also collaborating in emerging domains critical to future conflicts, particularly in space. During Macrons visit to India on Republic Day, Doval signed a letter of intent with French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu to advance military satellite cooperation.The French offer for nuclear submarines comes at a pivotal moment, as the Indian Navy emphasizes the need for two additional nuclear attack submarines to bolster its operational capabilities. France is prepared to provide comprehensive autonomous systems that span air, surface, and underwater operations, significantly enhancing Indias intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as safeguarding its naval assets.Focus on advanced aircraft enginesDoval is also expected to make headway on a proposal from Ross McInnes, the Kolkata-born Chairman of Safran Engines. During his recent visit to India, McInnes offered to collaborate on designing and producing 110-kilo Newton engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This partnership includes complete transfer of technology, including training in advanced metallurgy. The jointly developed engine will remain sovereign property of India, allowing for unrestricted exports to third countries. Additionally, Safran aims to assist in upgrading this engine for future AMCA models.Long-standing defense relationshipFrance has been a reliable supplier of sophisticated weaponry to India, and this partnership is vital for Indias strategic autonomy. Current negotiations involve the Indian Navys acquisition of 26 Rafale Maritime fighters for its two aircraft carriers. Concurrently, the French Naval Group is set to collaborate on building three more Kalvari-class diesel attack submarines under Project 75. The Indian Air Force is also looking towards France for additional Rafale fighters to address its declining squadron strength.Defense, security and economic cooperationWhile defense and security will dominate the discussions on September 30, Doval and Bonne are also set to explore areas of mutual interest. Both countries aim to deepen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly focusing on the Indian Ocean, where they hold significant stakes as resident powers.Discussions will also encompass the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially the threats posed by Houthi forces to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. France has expressed interest in the India-Middle-East Economic Corridor and has appointed a special envoy to support this ambitious initiative. Other topics for dialogue include the political situation in Bangladesh and the upcoming elections in Sri Lanka.
