India preparing to sign defence cooperation agreement with France -

New Delhi: India has taken the defence cooperation with the United States to a new height by signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). India is preparing to sign a similar agreement with France. Bilateral talks are being held between the Indian National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and Emmanuel Bonne, political Advisor to the French President. The central issue of the discussions is regarding the defence cooperation agreement. Along with this, France is keen on supplying 36 additional Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene-class submarines and aircraft necessary for military transportation and discussion over a deal in this respect is also expected to be held between Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne.

The Indian cooperation with France is becoming more substantial and more comprehensive on all levels. By keeping this in view, both the countries are preparing to sign an agreement for the exchange of strategic information. It is being said that this issue will be central to the discussions between Doval and Bonne. The French interests in the Indo-Pacific are under a Chinese threat. The islands in this region, under French control, are mostly on the Chinese radar. Therefore, France is adopting a very cautious stand regarding China and strengthening the defence cooperation with India. Thus, the agreement’s importance to be signed between the two countries has increased further, and as per analysts, this agreement will be immensely beneficial to the Indian and French navies.

Along with this, reports are being received that France is keen on selling 36 additional Rafale fighter jets to India. The Indian Air Force is feeling a shortage of fighter jets. India has augmented its strength tremendously with the purchase of 36 fighter jets like Rafale. But India still needs more fighter jets and talks are rife that India will go ahead with the purchase of 36 additional Rafale fighter jets. France is ready to supply these jets at a lesser cost than the previous deal.

India has indigenously developed Scorpene-class submarines with assistance from France. France has expressed willingness to cooperate under Project 75, in case the Indian Navy needs more submarines. India has made preparations to purchase 56 military transport aircraft and six multipurpose heavy transport aircraft. France has expressed exceptional keenness for this contract. A strong possibility of the agreement taking place between the two countries is being predicted for this purpose. Meanwhile, it is reported that Emmanuel Bonne will also be holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla during his visit.