In this hyper-globalised world order, India’s push towards self-reliance was looked down upon by many. They failed to comprehend that self-reliability does not mean shutting down gates for strategic partnerships with various nations. Self-reliability only gives an upper hand when it comes to dealing with global powers.
Logistical support between France and India
After Russia and Israel, France is becoming our 3rd reliable Defence partner. Recently, the Macron administration chose India for giving its 3 Rafale Jets some rest during its Indo-Pacific deployment. The stopover is in line with the 2018 reciprocal logistics support agreement signed between India and France. According to the agreement, both countries can interoperate on each other’s bases for refuelling and other purposes.
French air and space Forces are carrying out a major long-range mission in the Indo-Pacific, named Pegase 22. Lauding India-France bond, a French readout said, “The operation demonstrated a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the French and Indian Air Forces, which has been further boosted by the fact that both Air Forces now fly Rafale jets”
In later phases of Pegase 22, Indian and French Air Forces will participate in “Pitch Black” air exercise in Australia. ‘Pitch Black’ is to be held between August 17 and September 10 and will witness the involvement of other powers like Australia, Japan, US, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, UK, and South Korea as well.
India’s rise as a reliable partner
Apparently, Defence cooperation is not the only area where India is becoming a key player. India is also a major player in the ITER project. Situated in France, the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor called International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is under construction. It will replicate the fusion process inside that of the Sun and produce energy.
You will be glad to know that India’s Larsen and Toubro has supplied the single largest section of the largest nuclear reactor in the world. The 1,250-tonne cryostat base delivered to France amidst the supply chain crisis of Covid-19 acts as a refrigerator (helps in keeping the temperature of the reactor in check) and eventually contains the rest of the reactor.
The US gets competition anxiety
Watching the rise of India in Global arena, the US also got anxious. For the past years, it has been trying to become a key partner in India’s Defence Forces’ journey. The most skeptical military-industrial complex in the world has decided to entrust an Indian company Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) for manufacturing the wings of F-16s. US defence giant Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) is in fact collaborating with India’s defence companies.
Recently, the Biden administration offered to become partners in India’s Aatmanirbharta journey. General Electric recently requested to co-develop Jet engine technology to be used in our futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Guess what, a French company Safran had already made similar offers to India. But, the US is not buzzing. It is desperate to assist India in its stance against China. To inspire confidence in India, it is also showing faith in India’s Naval and shipbuilding capability and is docking its naval ships in India for repairs.
India’s defence products are in demand
While showing solidarity with India, the US seems to be oblivious of the fact that India is empowering other countries in an anti-China drive. Apparently, the Philippines is already in a position to counter any Chinese threat with India’s BrahMos, now Indonesia has also jumped onto the ship. Similar deals regarding exports of HAL Tejas are being explored.
The demand for India’s defence products got boosted mainly during the Armenia-Azerbaijan crisis. In the middle of Armenia-Azerbaijan war, Armenian troops availed four indigenously built military radars from India. These radars were worth $40 million and returned unscathed from the war. In spite of rumour mongering by Chinese and Pakistanis, India’s reputation did not take a hit. Last month, it was reported that Armenia has again approached India for more military hardware and it is hoping that India will provide it with Drones as well.
The push for Aatmanirbharta is bearing fruits now. It was not long when we could boast of only a few partners. But as it is said, “They don’t follow you, until it becomes a trend”. Without any marketing drive, strategic collaboration with India has become a trend and no country wants to be left behind.
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