France keen to provide tech, co-develop equipment for Indian military, says envoy

Vasco: France is committed to provide the Indian Armed Forces with the “best technology without restrictions” to meet its security needs, said its ambassador Emmanuel Lenain on Saturday. Lenain said that as India looks to reduce its dependence on Russia for military equipment, France remains a “great option” to help build a military industrial base in India.
“I must stress that no other country is so committed to making available to Indian forces the best technology, without restrictions and to such a level to not only meet ‘Make in India’, but also to go forward to co-develop and co-produce equipment,” said the envoy.
Lenain was speaking aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The Rafale M twin-engine fighter jet has emerged the front runner to meet INS Vikrant’s air wing requirements. The Rafale M has multiple similarities with the Rafale fighter jet that the Indian Air Force operates.
France is making a strong case for a government-to-government contract to supply 26 deck-based fighters for the Indian Navy.
“French industries are propagating the best offer possible (for the Indian Navy’s fighter jet requirements) with the Rafale M. India is looking to diversify its suppliers and obviously I think that France is a great, great option, and we are working on major equipment cooperation together,” Lenain said.
Lenain cited the support given during India’s early nuclear tests and the Kargil conflict to press home his point that Indo-French bilateral ties are stable, strong, and based on a great level of trust.
“Our countries really want to partner in that process to build a national industrial base for the defence industry in India,” he said.
When asked about India’s pursuit of six diesel electric conventional submarines, Lenain said that France is ready to assist the Indian Navy. “We want to continue the partnership whatever India will go for, the P-75I or repeat order of P-75 or the next generation. It’s really up to India to make up its mind on the technology, the solution it wants,” said Lenain.