Indian Defence Review

According to most commentators, the visit to India of French President Emmanuel Macron has been an unqualified success. For the first time, a French President was on the cover a national magazine; another first, President Macron gave an interview from the Elysee Palace in Paris which was broadcasted in prime time on a major TV channel … and the President spoke in English. Hard to believe? This undoubtedly symbolises the changing, though always-special relations between France and India, celebrating twenty years of ‘strategic partnership’. But what is a successful visit?

According to most commentators, the visit to India of French President Emmanuel Macron has been an unqualified success. For the first time, a French President was on the cover a national magazine; another first, President Macron gave an interview from the Elysee Palace in Paris which was broadcasted in prime time on a major TV channel … and the President spoke in English. Hard to believe? This undoubtedly symbolises the changing, though always-special relations between France and India, celebrating twenty years of ‘strategic partnership’. But what is a successful visit?

Jokingly, it is said that a surgeon announces that an operation has been successful when the patient is taken alive from the OT; at that time, the post-op complications cannot yet be guessed. In the case of a State visit, it is usually judged by the number of MoUs, Letters of Intent and Framework Agreements signed during the visit. In fact, this means little, because it is only during the following months and years that the real success of a visit can be seen. The Strategic Partnership signed in 1998 by President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister AB Vajpayee, was a success, simply because it has stood the test of time and is still there as a basis of all future relationship between France and India.

The first ‘strategic partnership’ signed by India was during President Chirac’s visit to India, “Both countries share a perspective that the new world order has to be genuinely multi-polar. Our bilateral relationship is poised to grow in the coming months in a multi-faceted manner,” had been declared by the French President at that time.

Over the last two decades, the partnership has steadily grown; no major political difference has darkened the sky between Paris and Delhi. France has constantly been supportive of India, particularly for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and has shown comprehension for India’s nuclear policy. Though in recent years, the term ‘strategic partnership’ has been devalued by the multiplication of such accords, in the Indo-French case, the 1998 momentum has been sustained by new initiatives.

Sensitive Areas

In October 2017, as she arrived in India to prepare for President Macron’s visit (then scheduled in December), the French Minister of Armed Forces, Florence Parly, stated in an interview to The Times of India that India was France’s ‘major strategic partner in Asia’. She noted that the relationship was, “the fruit of a long, shared history, grounded in an unshakable trust. We have always worked alongside India, in good times, but also at difficult moments,” adding “our partnership is continuing to develop even more, including in very sensitive areas.” These ‘sensitive’ areas make the difference.

Easy Relations

Between 1947 and 1954, the relations were often tense due to the issue of the French settlements in India which would only be solved with the de facto transfer of Pondicherry to the Union of India at the end of 1954. What is less known is that, despite the differences, India and France continued to work together. On October 26, 1953, a secret cable addressed to Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru sent by HS Malik, the Indian Ambassador in Paris demonstrates this. Ambassador Malik wrote, “All of us in the Embassy who have been working on the implantation of the contract with the Defence Ministry here for the supply of Ouragan [Toofani in India] aircraft, were greatly relieved and delighted when we got the news that our four pilots with the four Ouragans had reached Palam safely.” Ambassador Malik informed the Indian Prime Minister of the wonderful cooperation received “from the officers of the French Ministry of Defence, from the Cabinet Minister downwards and from the French industry.”

Let us remember that this was perhaps one of the most trying periods on the ground, particularly in Pondicherry. A contract had however been signed with Dassault in June 1953 for 70 planes; as Ambassador Malik noted, four planes had already been flown to India while another 35 had been sent with the Dixmude aircraft carrier. The remainder 32 aircraft would be delivered in early 1954. Ambassador Malik told the Prime Minister, “I have been thinking for some time whether it would be possible to use the opportunity provided us by this cooperation and collaboration by the French to relive somewhat the existing unfortunate state of relations between India and France on account of the position which we naturally have had to take up vis-à-vis the stupidity and lack of imagination of the French over the question of the French Settlements in India.” The issue of the French settlement was eventually solved in October 1954. Now, with the changing times, the relation has become much deeper too.

The Present Visit

On his arrival, the French President stated that the visit would open a new era in strategic partnership for the coming decades, “Our two democracies have common channels like terrorism, lots of common risks and common threats. But we have to protect this history and the state for freedom.” President Macron also affirmed, “I want my country to be the best partner in Europe. This is a strong message. I want Indian citizens coming to France for studying, becoming entrepreneurs and opening start-ups.” Addressing the French Community in Delhi, the young President explained, “…geo-political context is deeply changed. India rightly fears the reorganisation of the world; she fears forms of hegemony in the region and in particular in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. And why not name it, she fears a Chinese hegemony.”

He reminded his countrymen, “France is a power of the Indian and the Pacific Oceans; we are present at the Reunion, we are also there in French Polynesia and New Caledonia. And we are a maritime power, it is often forgotten, but France is the second maritime power in the world. We have a strong navy, we have nuclear submarines equipped like few other powers in the world; a maritime surveillance capability through our own satellites and technologies; it is obvious we are a military and intelligence power ranking us among the first nations in the world.” This power, France is now ready to share with India.

Before concluding, Macron quoted the Australian Prime Minister, who spoke of ‘freedom of sovereignty’. He then added, “This renewed strategic partnership is reflected by the confirmation of a defence link that has already materialised in some very important contracts, be it in the naval or aviation domain.” President Macron also spoke of “a coming generation of a new partnership on development of engines [the Kaveri for the Tejas], but also enhanced cooperation in terms of spatial surveillance or in terms of intelligence.” We shall come back to it.

Bilateral Agreements

Though some 14 bilateral agreements were signed at Hyderabad House, strengthening the bilateral economic, political and strategic ties between the two countries, only one of these agreements dealt with defence. It is about ‘Provision of reciprocal logistics support between their Armed Forces.’ Signed by the Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister Florence Parly, it says, “This Agreement shall facilitate the reciprocal provision of Logistic Support, Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of the two countries during authorised port visits, joint exercises, joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.” The importance of this is to develop trust between the two defence forces.

The Joint Statement

Issued after the bilateral talks, the Joint Statement affirmed, “Both leaders agreed to deepen and strengthen the bilateral ties based on shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights.” Perhaps a message to China! On the emotive side, “the valiant sacrifices made by Indian and French soldiers during the First World War” was mentioned. Prime Minister Modi agreed to participate in the closing of the First World War Centenary celebrations, which will take place on November 11 in Paris this year. One of the first articles deals with the deepening interaction in the maritime domain and the enhancement of cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. It welcomed the “Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region”, as a guiding beacon for such partnership. The leaders agreed also on the importance of the regular joint military exercises, “Both sides looked forward to the next Varuna Naval exercise in India in the coming weeks and to the next Garuda Air Force exercise in France in 2019.” In fact, both countries are keen to enhance the level of exercises.

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Coming to the Rafale deal, the Joint Statement says Prime Minister Modi and President Macron “noted with satisfaction the on-schedule progress in the implementation of acquisition related agreements. They also noted the commissioning of INS Kalvari, the first Scorpene submarine made in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., in collaboration with Naval Group, the French shipbuilder.” About the crucial offsets clauses which will be the barometer for a success or failure of the partnership, the leaders agreed “to continue their discussions to expand and deepen the ongoing defence manufacturing partnerships.” The ‘Make in India’ scheme was discussed. It was thought that this could offer “a valuable opportunity for Indian and French defence enterprises to enter into arrangements for co-development and co-production of defence equipment in India, including through transfer of know-how and technologies to the mutual benefit of all parties.”

The crucial part of the partnership and various joint ventures between Indian and French companies will be supported in the coming years. More specifically, the ongoing negotiations between the DRDO and Safran on combat aircraft engine were mentioned and “forward looking approaches to facilitate early conclusion” were encouraged. The other clauses on the Strategic Partnership dealt with terrorism and how to jointly combat this plague. The cooperation between the intervention forces (NSG-GIGN) and the investigation agencies of the two countries will be enhanced and a new cooperation effort to prevent and fight radicalisation was agreed upon. Indeed a huge programme!

The Rafale Deal

Of course there is the Rs 59,000-crore deal for 36 Rafale jet fighters signed in September 2016 that could prove to be a game changer, partly due the offset clause forcing the French to reinvest in India 50 per cent of the value of the contract. The induction of the Rafale is also crucial for India to deal with its Western and Northern fronts. China realises this, its recent efforts to reinforce its air defence in the Western Theater Command, particularly on the Tibetan plateau, is definitely linked to the arrival of the Rafale in 2019.

Defence Collaboration

The shortest article of the joint statement is worth noting, “The leaders noted ongoing discussions between DRDO and Safran on combat aircraft engine and encouraged necessary measures and forward looking approaches to facilitate early conclusion.” The idea is to develop a M88 engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas with Safran, one of Dassault’s partners in the Rafale deal. The LCA Tejas, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is presently equipped with a General Electric F404 IN20 engine. India is obviously keen to resurrect the Kaveri engine project, which was originally started in the 1990s and develop an indigenous jet engine. Safran is ready to collaborate on the Kaveri engine programme as part of the 50 per cent offsets for the Rafale deal. This is probably the key for the future including the supply of 36 more Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force or eventually of Rafale M, the marine version of the plane for India’s next aircraft carrier.

The Minister of State in the MOD, Subhash Bhamre told the Parliament in March this year, “The quantum of offsets in the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 36 Rafale fighter jets is 50 per cent, which includes investments in terms of Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the manufacture and maintenance of eligible products and services. The current offsets policy of the Defence Procurement Procedure permits the vendors to provide details of their Indian Offset Partners (IOP) either at the time of seeking offset credits or one year prior to discharge of offset obligations. The vendor/Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) is free to select his Indian Offset Partner.”

India is obviously keen to resurrect the Kaveri engine project, which was originally started in the 1990s and develop an indigenous jet engine…

Livefist, the defence portal, revealed some of the details of the $1-billion partnership between Safran and DRDO for the Kaveri turbofan engine, “a major thrust area for both countries that will also count in the offsets programme.” Livefist revealed that “Rafale has so far forged partnerships with at least 72 firms for industrial sourcing areas that span, among other Dassault platforms, the Rafale’s airframe, its Snecma [now Safran Aircraft Engines] M88 engines, radar, electronic warfare and avionics, aeronautical components, engineering and software,” adding that Dassault and its partners were negotiating with several more firms for offsets opportunities. The portal admits that India’s offsets policies “are widely regarded by international vendors and governments as convoluted, self-defeating, or in the words of one prominent CEO, ‘a god-awful mess’.”

Apart from the joint venture firm, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), other companies involved are L&T, the Mahindra Group, the Kalyani Group and Godrej & Boyce. A year ago, Livefist mentioned the problems faced by DRDO for its Kaveri turbofan engine, “It has now emerged that an unexpected ‘noise’ during high power trials has all but stalled the programme in what the team believes is its last mile. Detailed analyses over the last two years have failed to narrow down the cause of the noise and scientists are also unable to tell if the noise is an influence of aerodynamic performance.” The DRDO has now been given the green light to work through the Rafale’s offsets obligations. It is the last chance to revive the Kaveri project. Safran, Dassault’s partner is the builder of the Rafale’s twin M88 turbofan engines, “Snecma [Safran] is working to modify, certify and integrate the Kaveri on a Light Combat Aircraft airframe before 2020. A later phase in the partnership will involve modifications on the Kaveri for a twin configuration on India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth generation fighter aircraft.”

The portal had then concluded, “There are important implications of the Snecma-DRDO partnership on the Kaveri engine. A Kaveri engine sporting potential commonality with the Snecma M88 could be compelling factor in how India chooses its next fighter jets, both for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. Those implications, at any rate, would be clear only once the Kaveri proves itself at every level of its performance envelope.” The success of the joint venture is keenly awaited.

A Marine Rafale For The Next Aircraft Carrier?

It is said that the next aircraft carrier, the IAC-2 (INS Vishal) could be equipped with a catapult and be a flat top carrier with the capability to carry more than 50 fixed-wing fighter aircraft. The fighter onboard the IAC-2 will have to exceed the speed, range, endurance of MiG-29K and be able to dominate the Chinese upgraded J-16 variants. After a Request For Proposal (RFP) for 57 new carrier-borne fighters or Multi-Role Carrier-Borne Fighter (MRCBF) was floated by the Indian Navy, four offers came – the Swedish Maritime Gripen, Russia’s MiG-29K, Boeing F/A-18 Block lll Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale M F3R (modified). In case of a successful offset venture between the DRDO and Safran, the Rafale M would stand a good chance to be selected.

The Submarine Programme

On November 09, 2017, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba visited Cherbourg and was given a detailed presentation on France’s new nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the Barracuda class. The French Navy is to acquire the first of six SSNs this year. India Today then wrote, “The Navy Chief’s visit comes at a time when India is on the cusp of an unprecedented expansion of its undersea fleet. It is looking to build three types of submarines, one conventional and two nuclear, in three separate projects. These projects, roughly worth more than $28 billion are spread over the next decade.” The article added, “The reactor in particular, could be a game-changer because the Indian Navy is believed to be looking for a new one to power both its SSNs and new generation SSBNs,” before concluding, “French assistance in building both nuclear and conventional submarines would boost India’s strategic submarine programmes.”

After the successful induction of the first Scorpene-class submarine in December 2017, France is keen to participate in the building of additional submarines under Project 75 India or P-75 (I) programme.

According to The Business Line, securing additional orders for French defence conglomerate Naval Group (formerly DCNS) was the topmost on the agenda of Florence Parly, who accompanied President Macron in India. In a letter to her counterpart, Parly would have stated that the commissioning of the first Scorpene submarine on December 04, 2017, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in partnership with Naval Group, was a “shining illustration of the exemplary nature of our technological and industrial cooperation” and that the French government and Naval Group “are very keen to support the Indian Navy in making this programme a big success”, said The Business Line quoting sources who saw the letter. The Naval Group has already responded to the Request for Information (RFI), under Strategic Partnership (SP) Model, for the P-75 (I) programme. The Navy had issued RFI to six global submarine makers to build six advanced submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) which enables the submarines to stay under water for a longer period. The required submarines will also need a vertical launch system.

The advantage of a French submarine is the experience (sometimes painful) gained during the construction of the six Scorpene-class submarines under a Transfer of Technology arrangement. The collaboration has not always been smooth, though it seems to be doing fine now. The first submarine INS Kalvari, has been inducted into Navy’s fleet while two more – INS Khanderi and INS Karanj – are undergoing sea trials. The three other Scorpenes should follow soon.

More Convergences

The vibrant educational cooperation between Indian and French Universities and academic institutions was also demonstrated during President Macron’s visit. A host of agreements were signed during the Knowledge Summit, the first Indo-French conference on research and higher education in presence of French and Indian Ministers dealing with Human Resource Development. The joint statement spoke of increasing the number and quality of student exchanges, with the aim of reaching 10,000 students by 2020. An agreement for the mutual recognition of degrees should “facilitate the pursuit of higher education by Indian students in France and French students in India and enhance their employability.”

This too could lay the basis of a deeper collaboration in the defence sector, but the success of the collaboration will ultimately depend upon the will of each partner to ‘share’ and do some compromises in the larger interests of the future partnership. It may not be easy, but the effort is worthwhile.