India to establish DRDO technical office at Embassy in Paris, announces India-France joint statement

India and France have reinforced their defense cooperation with India's decision to set up a technical office of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its embassy in Paris, according to a joint statement released by the two countries.

France, a key ally in India's efforts to build a self-sufficient defense industry, will collaborate with India on co-developing and co-producing advanced defense technologies for the benefit of third nations.

The joint statement highlights the adoption of a roadmap on defense industrial cooperation and emphasizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent two-day visit to France, where he attended the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour. The timely delivery of the 36 Rafale fighter jets ordered by India was applauded by both nations, showcasing their longstanding cooperation in military aviation.

The statement further outlines plans for extending defense cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies, including joint development of a combat aircraft engine. Safran and DRDO will prepare a roadmap for this project before the end of the year. Additionally, support was expressed for Safran Helicopter Engine's industrial cooperation for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, with an agreement reached between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engine for engine development.

The success of the first Scorpene submarine construction program (P75 – Kalvari), a significant Make in India initiative, was acknowledged, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was welcomed between Mazgon Dockyard Ltd and Naval Group for the construction of three additional submarines under the P75 program. Both countries expressed their readiness to explore ambitious projects for the development and enhancement of the Indian submarine fleet.

The joint statement also highlighted the agreement between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for the transfer of technology of forging and castings for the Shakti Engine, emphasizing the French government's commitment to encouraging technology transfer and supporting the Make in India initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour symbolized the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. The parade featured contingents from the Indian armed forces and celebrated the deepening ties between the two nations.