Amid the new coalitions forming in the Indo-Pacific Region, excluding India and France, namely the AUKUS, France started to become more upset with each passing day. In December 2021, French Defense Minister Florence Parly met her Indian counterpart Shri Rajnath Singh and discussed several key topics and rising problems in the Indo-Pacific region concerning China and staying away from any hegemony.
The India-French defense and diplomatic ties were always evergreen, and the ties were looking stronger; the two ministers tried to strengthen it even further. Last year, even with the threat of COVID-19, the Indian and French Forces participated in three major military drills throughout the year. In early January 2021, the Desert Knight 21, then Varuna in April, and finally Shakti in November.
Previously, India had purchased the Mirage-2000s, and recently the Rafale jets. Among the 36 or two squadrons of Rafale jets, 33 are already delivered, and the rest 3 will be delivered early this year. The French also shared their latest generation Scorpène-class conventional diesel-electric submarines, which India had produced under the Project P75i Kalvari Class submarines. India launched its fourth Kalveri Class submarine in December 2021 and named it INS Vela (S24).
But the French want us to give more, it is not only to strengthen their ties with India but also to keep themselves relevant in the Indo-Pacific Region and financials, as India is still the highest weapon importer in the world. To do all these, France needs India, and for technologies, India also needs France.
As Australia snubs the $43 Billion submarine deal with France, the French government is looking towards India and is willing to share their latest submarine technologies, even possibly the Barracuda class.
According to more media reports from Indian and French media houses, France wants to share their latest Leclerc tanks with India with proper technology transfer, just like the Kalvari class submarines. The Nexter Systems of France, the developer of these Leclerc tanks, just pitched their proposals; no updates or reply has been received from the Indian authorities. On this ‘Tank-Notes,’ it is important to mention that India plans to acquire new and advanced tanks to replace the aging tanks by 2030. This project is called ‘Future Tanks.’ India’s all-weather ally, Russia, has also pitched their T-15 Armata Infantry Fighting Vehicle or T-14 Armata tanks for India. These are the latest Heavy-IFV and Tanks made by the Russian defense agencies. But the Indian defense forces’ mouthpieces denied these offers too.
The Defense Minister of France, Florence Parly, also promised to provide more Rafale jets with fast delivery if needed. India joined the Rafale program with complete technology transfer, meaning we can produce the jets on our own.
This week, the Indian Navy tested the Naval version of Rafael or Rafael M from the INS Vikrant at the coast of Goa. Indian Navy is also trying to replace its MiG 29K and acquire new jets for the upcoming aircraft carriers. Currently Indian Navy operates 2 full squadrons or 36 MiG 29K jets.
As future wars will be fought swiftly and mercilessly, India needs more futuristic weapons to keep the Chinese threats on the bay.