 visited India with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties.){kind=link}
A significant delegation from the French Aerospace Industries Group (GIFAS) visited India with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties. This delegation, comprising over 100 high-level representatives from more than 60 companies, aimed to explore opportunities for expanding their market presence and strengthening collaboration in aerospace, civil aviation, space, and defense sectors.
The mission provided a unique platform for French and Indian companies to better understand each other’s expectations and foster partnerships to support the growth of the Indian aerospace industry. This visit underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between France and India, particularly in defense and aerospace, which dates back to India’s independence.
Historical Collaboration
France has been a strategic partner for India for over twenty-five years, with cooperation in defense and aerospace going back to the early years of India’s independence. A notable example of this collaboration is the transfer of technology for the light helicopter Cheetah/Chetak in 1962, which marked the beginning of its production in India.
India and France established their strategic partnership on January 26, 1998, during the visit of French President Jacques Chirac to India. The partnership has led to extensive military cooperation, including joint exercises, defense technology transfers, and procurement of military equipment, notably, the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets by India. Both countries have worked closely on counterterrorism initiatives, sharing intelligence and best practices to combat global terrorism.
France was the first country to sign a civil nuclear agreement with India after the waiver granted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2008. This agreement has facilitated the development of nuclear energy projects in India, contributing to its energy security.
India currently hosts more than 60 French companies that are members of GIFAS, operating across more than 30 industrial sites. This presence highlights the dynamic cooperation between the two nations and the commitment of French companies to contribute to the success of the “Make in India” program. Key themes of this cooperation include training, innovation, and decarbonization.
More than 55% of France’s exports to India are in the aerospace sector, amounting to 2.7 billion euros in the first half of 2024. Significant achievements include Indigo Airlines in India operating hundreds of Airbus aircraft, with an additional order for 500 planes placed in 2023, and the Indian Air Force deploying 36 Rafale jets. Additionally, space cooperation has expanded from ISRO-CNES collaborations to encompass joint satellite projects and military space initiatives.
Statements and Future Prospects
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou emphasized the expanding footprint of French companies in India through local investments, production, and employment, integrating Indian companies into global supply chains. He highlighted that 55% of French exports to India are in the aerospace sector, amounting to 2.7 billion euros for the first half of 2024.
Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) was launched in Delhi to push FTA negotiations between India and Europe, fostering collaboration among over 100 European companies.
Guillaume Faury noted that GIFAS companies collectively export US$2 billion of goods and services from India annually, with Airbus alone accounting for half of that. He emphasized the significant boost to the “Make in India” initiative across civil aviation, military, space, and other fields, thanks to the available skillset in the country.
Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu projected that India’s domestic air passenger traffic could reach INR 30 crore by 2030, with US$11 billion being invested to develop airports. He also mentioned the development of 200 more airports in the next 20-25 years, with the number of operational airports expected to reach 200 by the end of 2025.
The visit also highlighted future initiatives, including the establishment of an Indo-French campus for training and professions in aeronautics and space, and the creation of an aeronautics cluster to promote the French offer in India. France will support India’s efforts to decarbonize air transport by 2050, in line with ICAO commitments, with India ready to move towards sustainable aviation fuels by 2027.
About GIFAS
Created in 1908, the French Aeronautical and Space Industries Group (GIFAS) is a professional union that brings together 482 companies, from major project managers and system engineers to SMEs and startups. Its members constitute a dynamic sector of specialized high technology in the study, development, production, marketing, and maintenance of aeronautical and space equipment, both civil and military, as well as defense and security systems. GIFAS represents a 2023 turnover of €70.2 billion, with 83% of consolidated turnover in exports, and directly employs 210,000 people. Every two years, GIFAS organizes the Paris-Le Bourget International Air Show, the world’s premier event of its kind, with the next show scheduled for June 16 to 22, 2025.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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