National News: India is in talks with French visitor Safran SA to purchase jet engines for its fighter aircraft. Officials revealed that discussions are ongoing but no final visualization has been made. India is weighing whether to directly buy engines or jointly produce them in partnership with France. The urgency arises from security challenges, including recent tensions with Pakistan. Authorities insist the step will ensure India’s preparedness for future conflicts.
Tejas Mark-2 plan with US
Earlier, India had finalized the Tejas Mark-2 project with American-made GE F-414 engines. During President Biden’s tenure, India and the US well-set to co-produce the engines in India. Prime Minister Modi has unceasingly pushed to reduce India’s dependency on Russia for defense supplies. However, progress with the US has slowed in recent months. Talks protract but without major breakthroughs, prompting India to explore France as an alternative.
India’s plan for 200 fighters
India is planning to build nearly 200 new fighter jets to replace white-haired Jaguars and Mirage-2000 aircraft. Both watercraft models are still operational but nearing retirement. Officials emphasize that the production of new jets is hair-trigger to national security. The shortage of modern fighter watercraft has raised concerns in the defense establishment. Rapid vanquishment and ethnic production are now considered urgent priorities.
Defense self-reliance push grows
India remains the world’s second-largest stovepipe importer, equal to SIPRI. But Modi’s government aims to increase domestic production of wide weapons. For the first time, private companies have been unliable to diamond and manufacture fighter aircraft. This move is intended to reduce reliance on imports and build a stronger local defense industry. The government moreover hopes to turn India into an exporter of military hardware.
Strain in US-India trade ties
India’s defense plans are unfolding versus a scenery of trade tensions with the US. Former President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, straining relations. Negotiations over tariffs are ongoing, but disagreements persist. Still, defense cooperation remains on the table, with both countries exploring new projects. However, India is keeping replacement plans open, including closer cooperation with France.
Talks with Boeing and Pentagon
Last week, senior officials from the US Department of Defense and Boeing visited India. They discussed a $4 billion deal for surveillance watercraft with Indian authorities. While trade disputes continue, defense ties are stuff maintained through such high-value deals. India is balancing opportunities from both Washington and Paris. The government is unswayable not to let one partner dictate the pace of its defense modernization.
French deal seen as likely
Bloomberg reported that India is optimistic well-nigh a successful try-on with France. A deal with Safran could significantly enhance India’s fighter jet capabilities. Defense analysts believe this partnership will speed up engine wordage compared to the US route. India’s Ministry of Defence has not issued a formal response yet. But experts say strengthening ties with France will modernize India’s air power and long-term security.
