French business leaders visiting India have reaffirmed their dedication to increasing local investments, employment, and production through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. French Ambassador Thierry Mathou emphasized that French companies are working closely with Indian firms to enhance industrial cooperation across key sectors and integrate them into global supply chains.
In a recent interview, Mathou highlighted that aerospace is a crucial area of Indo-French collaboration. "France has been a strategic partner for over 25 years, with defence and aerospace ties dating back to India’s Independence. 'Make in India' has been a reality for the French defence industry for decades," he said, recalling that the technology for the Cheetah/Chetak helicopter was transferred to India as early as 1962.
Currently, more than 55% of France’s exports to India are in aerospace, generating €2.7 billion in the first half of 2024. Notable milestones include India’s Indigo Airlines operating hundreds of Airbus planes, with a recent order for 500 more, and the Indian Air Force acquiring 36 Rafale jets. Cooperation in space has evolved beyond partnerships between ISRO and CNES, now encompassing joint satellite projects and military space initiatives.
Mathou noted that French companies are responsible for over 50,000 indirect jobs in India through collaborations with 227 suppliers, with annual investments exceeding €1 billion. Aerospace leaders such as Airbus and Thales are expanding their presence in India through innovation hubs and training centers. Airbus India’s engineering center has been active for 16 years, and its joint initiative with Tata STRIVE to establish skill centers in Delhi and Bengaluru demonstrates a commitment to talent development.
Future of Indo-French Aerospace Collaboration
The two nations are currently developing an Indo-French aeronautics and space training campus and exploring the establishment of an aeronautics cluster in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Mathou also emphasized France’s commitment to supporting India’s goal of decarbonizing air transport by 2050, noting India’s plans to adopt sustainable aviation fuels by 2027, which reflects a shared ambition for greener aviation.
“The aerospace sector embodies the best of our win-win cooperation,” Mathou said, expressing optimism about using this partnership as a model for future collaborations. The upcoming India-France Year of Innovation in 2026 will present additional opportunities to strengthen ties in new areas.
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