India and France have made a significant decision to expand their collaboration in advanced aeronautical technologies, specifically in the development of a combat aircraft engine for India’s AMCA fighter jet. A detailed plan for this project will be formulated by the French company Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) before the end of this year.
Furthermore, the two nations have also agreed to foster industrial cooperation in the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engine.
The announcement was made subsequent to the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The leaders jointly adopted the vision titled “Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations.”
The statement on partnership highlights the shared objective of building sovereign defence capabilities, emphasizing France as a crucial partner for India’s self-reliant defence industrial and technological foundation.
Both India and France are deeply committed to cooperating in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, with the intent to benefit not only themselves but also third countries.
To facilitate progress in the IMRH program, a Shareholders’ Agreement has been finalized between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India, and Safran Helicopter Engine, France, for the development of engines.
These ventures align with the spirit of trust that prevails between India and France, exemplified by the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks, drawing upon the successful Indo-French experience in technology transfer.
India has been engaged in advanced discussions with French firms regarding the co-development of engines for the fifth-generation fighter and the IMRH, which is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Government sources have indicated ongoing discussions for the co-development of high-powered engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The negotiations between DRDO and the French engine manufacturer Safran have been progressing positively, with the aim of acquiring more robust engines for both planned versions of the indigenous AMCA aircraft. The specifications of the AMCA necessitate the use of highly powerful engines.
The Horizon 2047 statement underscores the longstanding strategic partnership between India and France in the Indo-Pacific region. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1947 and elevating the partnership to a strategic level in 1998, both countries have consistently acted together, based on a strong foundation of mutual trust, shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, and common values rooted in international law.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, India and France have mutually agreed to adopt a roadmap that sets the course for their bilateral relationship until 2047. This roadmap will coincide with the centenaries of India’s independence, the diplomatic relations between the two nations, and 50 years of their strategic partnership.
The statement affirms India and France’s intention to collaborate in the interest of international peace and stability, reiterating their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Both countries are determined to work within the framework of an equal partnership, in alignment with their respective sovereign and strategic interests, as they have done since 1998. In order to deepen this strategic partnership, India and France have decided to enhance cooperation in future sectors, fortifying their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy.