As PM Modi gears up for a significant visit to Paris in February, India and France are finalizing two monumental defence deals and advancing their collaboration in artificial intelligence. The agreements, valued at over $10 billion, strengths ties between the two nations and their shared vision for progress and innovation.
The defence contracts, pivotal for bolstering India’s naval capabilities, include the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets tailored for aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class submarines. Both agreements are in the final stages of approval and are expected to be placed before India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) within weeks. Sources close to the matter confirm that preparations are aligned with PM Modi’s anticipated presence at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French President’s office has officially announced PM Modi’s invitation to the summit, emphasizing a focus on actionable outcomes in artificial intelligence for societal, economic, and environmental benefits. Experts believe the visit will also feature a bilateral component, where defence and technology partnerships will be at center stage.
“This visit symbolizes a confluence of technology and defence-a testament to the power of global partnerships driving meaningful impact,” remarked a senior official.
The Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, confirmed that both deals are nearing finalization. “We are completing the formalities, and we anticipate the signing process to conclude next month,” he said. The Rafale-M acquisition includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, addressing immediate needs for India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. These jets will serve as a stopgap until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter becomes operational.
Meanwhile, the additional Scorpene submarines are crucial for modernizing the Navy’s aging fleet. The repeat order for these submarines is aligned with ongoing efforts to enhance India’s underwater combat capabilities while awaiting advancements in Project-75I.
Beyond defence, PM Modi’s participation in the AI Summit highlights India’s aspirations to lead in the global AI revolution. France aims to foster international collaborations to ensure AI-driven solutions align with public interests. This initiative aligns with India’s growing emphasis on harnessing AI for development, positioning the summit as a springboard for transformative projects.
The agreements reflect India’s strategic foresight in addressing critical defence gaps while propelling its technological prowess. The Rafale-M jets will complement naval operations, and the Scorpene submarines will reinforce India’s maritime security.
As the clock ticks toward February, the anticipated deals symbolize not just contracts but a partnership that leverages innovation and strength. With India and France poised to script a new chapter of cooperation, PM Modi’s Paris visit is set to leave a lasting legacy of power and positivity.
