France committed to Make in India initiative: French Envoy

Bengaluru  : French industries are committed to India’s ‘Make in India’ policy, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said at the Aero India-2023 event happening in Bengaluru. He added that he believes France and India should work for strategic autonomy.

“French industries have been committed and have been pioneering for decades in the Make in India & more and more doing co-development of weapons of the future. We really believe that we should work together for strategic autonomy,” said French Ambassador while talking to ANI on the sidelines of Aero India-2023 show.

The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 was inaugurated at the Air Force Station at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru Feb. 13.

Regarding the Rafale-M (Marine) aircraft, he said, “We wish for the better. We have provided a very good offer and it seems that the technical test in Goa has been very positive. So, now we feel that we can be hopeful.”

He said there have been a lot of discussions on many pieces of equipment, and that the  Rafale deal was very symbolic.

“It was the commitment of French companies to provide the best technology for India, on time. It will be the same in the future,” he added.

Also at the event was UK Minister of State at the Ministry of Defense, Alex Chalk who said he was delighted to be at the Aero India 2023.

“India is already a great country but it is only just starting. It has huge potential, we are delighted to be here, and we want to be at your side,” Chalk said.

“We recognize that India is in the place where it wants to build its indigenous, sovereign capability. So that it can export weapons & arms on its terms in India’s interests because a strong India and a strong region is good for the world. That’s what we want to assist with,” Chalk added.

Earlier, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said the UK wanted to broaden and deepen its relationship with India in defense area, especially with the air force. His country had sent the biggest ever to Aero India, noted, adding, “They’re here because they’re the world’s outstanding producer of aircraft engines and want to work more closely with the Indian Government and companies.”

At the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s advance in the defense sector.

“New India of the 21st century will now neither lose any opportunity nor lag behind in hard work. We’re ready. On the path to reforms, we’re bringing a revolution in every sector. The country which was the biggest defense importer for decades now exports defense equipment to 75 countries,” said PM Modi at the Aero India 2023 event.

The Indian companies participating in this five-day exhibition include MSMEs and start-ups, showcasing the advancement of niche technologies, and growth in aerospace and defense capabilities in the country.

Major exhibitors include Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.