India has offered France its indigenously developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system as part of growing defense cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed strengthening defense ties during their recent meeting, with Modi inviting the French Army to evaluate the Pinaka system. He emphasized that its acquisition by France would mark another milestone in Indo-French defense collaboration.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army, the Pinaka system secured its first international order in 2023 when Armenia signed a $245-million deal. Several other countries, including Indonesia and Nigeria, have also expressed interest in this advanced weapon system.
France remains one of India’s closest strategic partners in Europe, with defense and security collaboration forming a key pillar of their relationship. Over the years, France has supplied India with critical defense equipment, including combat jets and submarines. The two nations are currently negotiating India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale-M naval fighter jets and three additional Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
A joint statement issued on Wednesday highlighted the ongoing Indo-French cooperation in constructing Scorpene submarines in India. The discussions included the indigenization of components, integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, and the potential incorporation of an Integrated Combat System (ICS) into future submarines under the P75-AS program.
India has already inducted six Scorpene-class submarines under the P75 project, with the latest being commissioned on January 15, 2025. Now, New Delhi is considering an order for three more submarines of the same class.
Both nations welcomed ongoing discussions on joint development in missile systems, helicopter engines, and jet engines. France’s Safran Group is working with Indian partners on aero-engine development, further strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. Macron also lauded India’s inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone program, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
This initiative, involving European nations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, represents another step forward in India’s growing involvement in international defense collaborations. Additionally, India and France continue to enhance military cooperation through joint exercises, maritime patrolling, and defense innovation programs. Last December, they launched FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) to boost innovation and partnerships in the defense sector.
Modi and Macron also stressed the need to fast-track the research and development framework between DRDO and France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA). United Against Terrorism Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. They emphasized the need to disrupt terror financing networks and eliminate safe havens for terrorists. Without directly naming Pakistan, the joint statement called for action against all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee.
India and France also pledged to work together through multilateral platforms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and No Money For Terror (NMFT) to strengthen global efforts against terrorism. As Indo-French defense ties continue to expand, the potential acquisition of the Pinaka system by France could further cement their strategic partnership, reinforcing cooperation in military technology and security initiatives.
