PM Modi’s visit to France: President Macron’s diplomatic advisor and NSA Doval hold talks on fighter jet, engine

PM Modi’s visit to France: President Macron’s diplomatic advisor and NSA Doval hold talks on fighter jet, engine

Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, recently engaged in extensive discussions with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The purpose of these talks was to make preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, scheduled to take place next week.

Prime Minister Modi has received an invitation from President Macron to be the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day, which falls on July 14. This visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of a “strategic partnership” between France and India.

The discussions between Emmanuel Bonne and Ajit Doval aimed to ensure the smooth conduct of Prime Minister Modi’s visit and strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. Such diplomatic engagements are crucial in fostering closer cooperation and deepening the relationship between nations.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to participate in various events and meetings with French officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, including political, economic, and strategic cooperation. This visit presents an opportunity to strengthen further the longstanding friendship and partnership between France and India.

The strategic partnership between France and India encompasses many areas, including defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. Over the past 25 years, the bilateral relationship has witnessed significant growth and collaboration in various sectors.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France as the Guest of Honour on National Day highlights the importance that both countries attach to their partnership and the shared values they uphold. It serves as a platform to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration in the years to come.

The discussions held between Emmanuel Bonne and Ajit Doval laid the groundwork for Prime Minister Modi’s successful and productive visit, paving the way for further strengthening the strategic partnership between France and India and fostering closer ties between the two nations. The meeting between Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was aimed at preparing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France. The French Embassy in India tweeted about the meeting, highlighting the discussions on defence, energy, space, new technologies, and more, with the aim of working on an ambitious agenda for the India-France strategic partnership.

In anticipation of Prime Minister Modi’s visit coinciding with France’s National Day, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain expressed the desire to have Indian troops participate in the parade and Indian Rafale aircraft in the sky. This gesture is intended to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.

The discussions between the French and Indian officials reflect the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. Defence, energy, space, and new technologies are areas of mutual interest that hold significant potential for cooperation between the two nations.
The invitation for Prime Minister Modi to be the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day underscores the importance of the relationship between India and France. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding partnership and explore avenues for further collaboration in areas of mutual benefit.

As preparations continue for Prime Minister Modi’s visit, both sides are working to shape a comprehensive agenda that reflects the depth and breadth of the India-France strategic partnership. This visit holds the promise of further deepening cooperation and fostering closer ties between the two nations while also marking a significant milestone in their longstanding relationship.

In his statement to ANI, the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on the occasion of Bastille Day, which is France’s National Day. He highlighted that India had been chosen as the guest of honour for this year’s celebration, making it an extraordinary occasion as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between France and India.

Ambassador Lenain expressed the desire to have Indian troops participate in the parade, symbolizing the close ties between the two countries. Additionally, he mentioned the inclusion of Indian Rafale aircraft in the sky as a tribute to the partnership and to showcase the strong defence cooperation between India and France.

By involving Indian troops and showcasing Indian Rafales during the Bastille Day celebration, France aims to highlight the deepening strategic partnership and the importance it places on its relationship with India. This gesture underscores the shared commitment to collaboration in defence and signifies the strength of the bilateral ties between the two nations.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to France on this significant occasion further signifies the mutual respect and cooperation between India and France. It provides an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the strategic partnership, as well as to explore new avenues for collaboration in various areas of common interest. The French government, under Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, has approved Safran, a leading engine manufacturer, to collaborate with India in the design, development, testing, manufacturing, and certification of an engine for India’s advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) and the twin-engine deck-based fighter for the Indian armed forces. This decision reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthen their defence cooperation and promote technological collaboration in the aerospace sector.

The AMCA is a next-generation fighter aircraft being developed by India, aimed at enhancing its indigenous defence capabilities. The collaboration with Safran will bring advanced engine technology and expertise to support the development of the AMCA, which is expected to be a competent and advanced combat aircraft.
In addition to the AMCA, the partnership with Safran also extends to the development of engines for the twin-engine deck-based fighter, which will serve as a crucial asset for the Indian armed forces, particularly for naval operations.

By joining forces with Safran, India aims to leverage the renowned French engine maker’s technological capabilities and experience to enhance the engines’ performance and reliability for these advanced fighter aircraft. This collaboration signifies the shared commitment of India and France to advancing their defence capabilities and fostering strategic cooperation in the aerospace sector.

The joint efforts in designing, developing, and manufacturing the engines for the AMCA and the twin-engine deck-based fighter demonstrate the mutual trust and confidence between the two nations in working together to achieve their respective defence objectives. This collaboration also paves the way for future opportunities for technological exchange, innovation, and long-term cooperation in the defence and aerospace industries. During the Paris Air Show, the Chairman of India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Samir V Kamat, held significant discussions with Safran regarding the co-development of a jet engine and research and development activities. The talks were focused on exploring collaboration opportunities and technology transfer for the proposed 110-kilonewton engine.

As part of the discussions, the French government has offered a 100% transfer of technology for the engine. This transfer would include providing a blueprint and open code for the design and components of jet engines. This collaboration is crucial as it enables India to enhance its capabilities in designing, developing, and manufacturing jet engines for future fighter jet projects.

By gaining access to advanced technology and technical know-how through this collaboration, India will be able to strengthen its self-reliance in the field of aerospace and defence. The ability to independently design and manufacture jet engines will significantly contribute to India’s strategic goals and its pursuit of futuristic fighter jet projects.

This transfer of technology not only supports India’s indigenous defence capabilities but also facilitates the development of a robust aerospace industry within the country. It enables India to build its expertise in designing and manufacturing jet engines, which can have far-reaching implications for the defence sector and the country’s overall technological prowess.

The discussions between DRDO and Safran at the Paris Air Show reflect the shared commitment of India and France to foster technological collaboration and advance their defence capabilities. The transfer of technology in jet engines will enhance India’s research and development capabilities, paving the way for greater self-reliance and innovation in the aerospace sector. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, several important meetings and discussions are expected to take place to enhance cooperation between the two countries. As the visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, it holds special significance.

Ambassador Lenain highlighted that the visit will provide an opportunity to draft a roadmap for future cooperation, particularly in areas such as technology, the fight against climate change, addressing global issues, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. The discussions will focus on expanding collaboration and identifying new avenues of cooperation in these fields.

The visit is expected to bring new momentum to the bilateral relationship and strengthen the already robust ties between India and France. Both countries are committed to addressing global challenges and leveraging technology for mutual benefit. Enhancing cooperation in these areas will not only strengthen the strategic partnership but also contribute to the broader objectives of sustainable development, innovation, and fostering people-to-people connections.

As the details of the visit unfold, it is anticipated that there will be significant announcements and agreements that reflect the deepening partnership between India and France. The discussions will lay the foundation for future collaborations and set the course for continued cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
Overall, the visit will provide an essential platform for high-level engagement and pave the way for new initiatives and areas of cooperation, fostering stronger ties between India and France in the years to come.