Context:
Two significant deals between India and France, worth over $10 billion, are nearing finalisation.
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations)
Highlights:
Major Defence Deals:
- Agreements include:
- 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for Indian Navy aircraft carriers.
- Three additional Scorpene-class submarines, a continuation of an earlier contract.
Timeline and Approval:
- Deals expected to be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) within weeks.
- Anticipation of quick implementation due to the government-to-government nature of the agreements.
Strategic Context:
- PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit Paris in February for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
- A bilateral component during Modi’s visit could coincide with the finalisation of these deals.
Expert Insights:
- Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi confirmed the deals are in the final stages of approval.
- The Rafale-M deal requires one more clearance before CCS approval, after which the contract will be signed.
- The Scorpene submarine deal is a repeat order for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
Additional Developments:
- The last Scorpene submarine from the previous order, INS Vagsheer, will be commissioned on January 15 in Mumbai in the presence of PM Modi.
Geopolitical Significance:
- The deals reflect strengthened India-France defence ties.
- The February AI Summit will also focus on ensuring AI technologies contribute positively to global development.
Implications:
- The agreements boost India’s naval capabilities, particularly for strategic deployment in the Indian Ocean region.
- France remains a key partner in India’s defence modernisation and technological advancements.
- The bilateral ties align with India’s larger strategic goals in defence, AI, and geopolitical collaboration.
