The Embassy of France in India recently celebrated the induction of INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project, into the Indian Navy. This submarine was built through a collaboration between France's Naval Group and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. The French Embassy expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the strong defence partnership between India and France.
INS Vaghsheer is part of the French licence-built Kalvari (Scorpene)-class conventional diesel-electric submarines. It aims to replace aging Indian underwater platforms and address capability gaps. With this addition, India now has a total of 16 submarines, showcasing its growing expertise in submarine construction.
Earlier this month, India's INS Mormugao and aircraft from the Indian Air Force participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the French Carrier Strike Group off India's western coast. This exercise included advanced maritime drills and joint air operations, demonstrating the professionalism and interoperability between the naval forces of both countries.
French naval ships FS Forbin and FS Alsace visited Kochi, Kerala, as part of their mission. Discussions between the ships' Commanding Officers and senior Indian naval officials focused on strengthening defence cooperation. These interactions, including cross-deck visits and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, further deepened the ties between the Indian and French navies.
India and France's defence partnership, established in 1998, has been reinforced through joint military exercises and regular operational stopovers. Both nations actively collaborate to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean, contributing to regional stability.
INS Vaghsheer is a submarine that is part of the Indian Navy. It is the last of the Scorpene-class submarines, which are advanced and powerful underwater vessels.
Scorpene-class submarines are a type of submarine that are very advanced and can operate quietly underwater. They are built with the help of France and are used by the Indian Navy.
Naval Group is a company from France that designs and builds ships and submarines. They helped build the INS Vaghsheer for India.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is an Indian company that builds ships and submarines. They worked with the French Naval Group to build the INS Vaghsheer.
Induction means officially bringing something into use. In this case, it means the INS Vaghsheer has officially become part of the Indian Navy.
India and France work together to build and improve military equipment like submarines. This helps both countries be stronger and safer.
Regional maritime security means keeping the seas safe in a certain area. India and France work together to make sure the waters around India are safe from threats.
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