Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, underscored the importance of the 'Make in India' initiative in military equipment, including the Rafale jets being procured under an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA).
Focus on Indigenous Manufacturing
At a post-meeting briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the 'Make in India' component for the 114 Rafale jets was discussed. He stated that the Prime Minister, in all his meetings in France, stressed the need for greater emphasis on Make in India through co-development, co-production, and co-manufacturing.
"The PM in all his meetings today laid stress that we need to have greater focus on Make in India. We need to co-develop, have co-production and do co-manufacturing in India. We want more and more in India, that is our preference," Misri said.
He added that the discussion extended beyond Rafale jets to other platforms, emphasizing the need for more local content in all manufacturing and research.
Joint Submarine and Engine Development
Although specific platforms were not mentioned, India and France are also exploring the joint production of three additional Scorpene-class submarines in India. Two separate engine development programs for next-generation fighter jets and a new class of helicopters were likely discussed.
French company Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited already have a joint venture to develop engines for a 13-tonne Indian Multi Role Helicopter. Safran is also partnering with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment to develop a 120-kilonewton thrust engine for India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
Rafale Deal Details
India has sent a formal Letter of Request to France for the procurement of 114 Rafale jets. The LoR is a government-to-government communication used to initiate defence procurement under the IGA framework.
India has laid down non-negotiable clauses, including indigenous weapons and data links, with engine, airframe, and avionics covered under transfer of technology. Integration of Indian weapons, missiles, and ammunition on all 114 jets is also part of the deal.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said both sides expressed satisfaction at the "excellent growth" and depth of bilateral defence cooperation. "They agreed to further intensify it with focus on co-design, co-development and co-production of defence platforms and advanced technologies," the MEA said.
French Stance on Technology Sharing
Last week, French diplomatic sources in New Delhi indicated France's comfort with technology sharing, stating that "Make in India will be part of the deal." Regarding the integration of Indian weapons onto the jet, the source confirmed that "integration of local weapons is also a part of the deal."
France does not view its military ties with India as a "customer-provider" relationship, the source added, noting that "very substantive and deep discussions are on at the moment on the Rafale deal."
