India and France Strengthen Defense Ties with Submarine Collaboration
In Lorient, France, Soumyajyoti Basu, Vice President of Sales at Naval Group (India), highlighted the progress of Project 75, an initiative started in 2006 to boost indigenous naval defense manufacturing in India. The project gained momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiative to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce import reliance.
Naval Group collaborates with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to build submarines indigenously. In January 2024, India and France announced a joint defense cooperation roadmap, including the production of aircraft and submarines, following meetings between Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has successfully built six Kalvari (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarines with technology transfer from Naval Group. The company continues to work with Indian industries to empower them in building more submarines domestically. Naval Group also collaborates with DRDO laboratories and Indian academia on defense technologies and potential joint exports.
Naval Group is a key participant in the Euronaval exhibition in Paris from November 4-7, where India is invited. The conference will showcase the latest defense equipment and technology, emphasizing the strategic autonomy shared by India and France.
India’s government has implemented policies to encourage indigenous defense manufacturing, leading to a record Rs 21,083 crore in defense exports for the financial year 2023-24, a 32.5% increase from the previous year. The total value of defense production in India rose by 17% to Rs 126,887 crore last fiscal year.
Doubts Revealed
Project 75 -: Project 75 is an initiative by India to build submarines for its navy. It started in 2006 and aims to make India more self-reliant in defense.
PM Modi -: PM Modi refers to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. He has been in office since 2014 and is known for promoting ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
Naval Group -: Naval Group is a French company that specializes in naval defense and building ships and submarines. They are working with India to build submarines.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited -: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is an Indian company that builds ships and submarines. It is located in Mumbai and is working with France to build submarines.
Defense exports -: Defense exports refer to the selling of military equipment and technology to other countries. India has increased its defense exports significantly in recent years.
Euronaval exhibition -: The Euronaval exhibition is an event held in Paris where countries showcase their latest naval defense technologies. It highlights the collaboration between India and France in defense.
