France and India’s Strong Defense Partnership
Insights from Ambassador Thierry Mathou
The French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, highlighted the exceptional defense relationship between France and India, describing it as a strategic intimacy. This partnership includes high-level military exercises and a focus on strategic autonomy, allowing both nations to make independent decisions and choose their partners.
In January 2024, a bilateral Defense Industrial Roadmap was endorsed to prioritize co-designing, co-development, and co-production of defense equipment. A significant contract was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for a new engine for India’s future multi-role helicopter. Safran is also being considered for co-developing a 6th generation fighter engine in India.
Ambassador Mathou mentioned the recent bilateral exercise ‘Exercise Varuna’ in Toulon and the historical armament cooperation, including the induction of French-origin aircraft in the Indian Air Force since 1953. The Indian Air Force currently operates thirty-six Rafale aircraft, and the Indian Navy uses Scorpene-class submarines, all built in India.
Mathou emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, which extends beyond defense to space, industry, climate change, and culture. He noted the recent visit by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, to France, where discussions on defense cooperation and international situations, such as Ukraine, took place.
Doubts Revealed
Ambassador Thierry Mathou -: Thierry Mathou is the French Ambassador to India. An ambassador is a person who represents their country in another country, helping to maintain good relations between the two nations.
Defense Industrial Roadmap -: A Defense Industrial Roadmap is a plan that outlines how two countries will work together to design and produce military equipment. It helps both countries to share technology and resources to strengthen their defense capabilities.
Co-designing and Co-production -: Co-designing means working together to create something new, while co-production means making it together. In this context, it refers to France and India working together to design and build defense equipment.
6th generation fighter engine -: A 6th generation fighter engine is a very advanced type of engine used in fighter jets. These engines are part of the latest technology in military aircraft, making them faster and more efficient.
Bilateral ties -: Bilateral ties refer to the relationship between two countries. In this case, it means the strong and cooperative relationship between France and India.