PM Modi and Macron's revised statement omits crucial details on defense deals

India and France have issued a revised joint statement after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The updated version, released on Friday, excluded certain key details concerning defense deals that were previously mentioned. Notably, references to the joint development of a combat aircraft engine and the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines were omitted from the new statement.

However, the revised joint statement did announce a roadmap for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries, being resident powers with significant stakes in the region, aim to collaborate and finalize an Indo-French development fund to jointly finance sustainable development projects in other nations within the Indo-Pacific area.

The original joint statement, titled 'Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations,' outlined a roadmap for the bilateral relationship until 2047. It initially mentioned the continuation of "ground-breaking" defense cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies, with plans for a joint combat aircraft engine development roadmap prepared by the Defense Research Development Organisation and French engine manufacturer Safran. However, this line was removed from the revised statement.

Regarding the construction of three additional submarines under the P75 program, the revised statement no longer referred to them as Scorpene submarines but highlighted the success of the first Scorpene submarine construction program (P75 - Kalvari), which showcases the "Make in India" initiative and the exchange of naval expertise between the two countries. India and France expressed their readiness to explore more ambitious projects to enhance the Indian submarine fleet and its capabilities.

In the Indo-Pacific region, India and France committed to working together in the interest of international peace, stability, and a rules-based order. The involvement of French overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans will play an essential role in the Indo-Pacific partnership between the two countries. Trilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the region will be a significant aspect of their collaboration, including dialogues with the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

Cooperation in the space domain was also emphasized. The two countries are enhancing scientific and commercial partnerships, including agreements between France's CNES and India's ISRO on reusable launchers, joint Earth observation satellite TRISHNA, the first phase of the maritime surveillance satellite constellation in the Indian Ocean, and the protection of Indo-French satellites against the risk of collision.

Furthermore, India and France pledged to expand cooperation in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment in the Indo-Pacific. They will offer sustainable development solutions to regional countries through multilateral and third-country initiatives.