New Delhi: India and France have signed an ambitious and unprecedented Defence Space Agreement, insiders reveal. This pact, shrouded in secrecy, was discreetly sealed on January 26 by French Defence Minister Sebastien Locornu and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Interestingly, this occurred while French President Emmanuel Macron was attending India’s Republic Day festivities, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The accord, not publicized, sets the stage for joint endeavors in space defense, including the potential launch of military satellites equipped with offensive and defensive capabilities. It aims to bolster global situational awareness, safeguard communication and surveillance satellites, and enhance transparency across air, land, and sea battlefields.
Although details remain scarce from the Modi administration, India’s longstanding partnership with France in civilian space endeavors hints at a significant stride towards bolstering national security. The agreement underscores a commitment to jointly develop and deploy military satellites, essential for protecting India’s space assets and monitoring adversaries’ activities.
Sources suggest President Macron assured unwavering French support to India across defense domains, encompassing collaboration in designing, manufacturing, and certifying bespoke platforms tailored to their mutual needs. This strategic alignment comes amidst shared concerns over global conflicts, with nuanced differences on certain issues such as the Ukraine crisis, owing to France’s EU membership.
During Macron’s recent visit to India, PM Modi rolled out the red carpet, signaling a deepening rapport. This warmth extended from ceremonial receptions to substantive discussions on defense cooperation. Macron’s observation of growing support for Modi’s leadership resonated with the hosts, further solidifying bilateral ties.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical volatility, spanning from North Africa to Southeast Asia, India and France affirm their commitment to mutual support, underpinned by independent foreign policies and strategic autonomy. France’s initiative to streamline visa processes for Indian youth underscores efforts to deepen cultural and educational ties.
France’s willingness to assist India in developing advanced defense platforms, including fighter aircraft engines and submarines, underscores a shared commitment to bolstering India’s defense capabilities and fostering indigenous manufacturing. This collaboration is poised not only to enhance India’s self-reliance but also to stimulate job creation and reduce reliance on foreign imports, aligning with both nations’ economic objectives.
Macron’s unequivocal directive to facilitate unimpeded access to cutting-edge French technologies underscores a commitment to fostering a robust India-France partnership, devoid of biases or reservations. This commitment lays a strong foundation for future collaborations, poised to shape the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
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