France and India Establish Aeronautics Cluster and Training Campus for Aerospace Professionals

France and India are collaborating to establish an aeronautics cluster and develop an Indo-French campus for professional training in aeronautics and space. Thierry Mathou, France's Ambassador to India, highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in defence and aerospace sectors, during a conference organised by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) in New Delhi.

Representative image

Mathou noted that 55% of French exports to India are in the aeronautical sector, totalling 2.7 billion euros in the first half of 2024. He emphasised that their partnership extends beyond strategy, describing it as universal. "Today, our partnership is not just strategic, you should call it universal because it goes literally from the seabed to the outer space," he stated.

Focus on Sustainable Aviation

The Ambassador also mentioned France's commitment to supporting India's goal of decarbonising transport and developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expressed optimism about India and France working together to create a strong SAF supply chain. This collaboration aims to address environmental concerns while enhancing aviation efficiency.

In the civil aviation sector, Indian airlines operate numerous Airbus planes. IndiGo and Air India have placed significant orders with Airbus to expand their fleets and networks, responding to increasing passenger demand. This expansion reflects the growing importance of Airbus in India's aviation landscape.

Strengthening Industrial Ties

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury announced plans to increase component sourcing from India, highlighting the country's abundant opportunities. This move aligns with Airbus's strategy to strengthen its industrial ties with India and leverage local expertise for global operations.

On Monday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between GIFAS and industry body Ficci. This agreement signifies a commitment to fostering closer cooperation between French and Indian aerospace industries, paving the way for future collaborations and innovations.

The proposed aeronautics cluster is part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in aerospace. While specific details about this cluster are yet to be disclosed, it represents a significant step towards deepening industrial partnerships between France and India.

This collaboration underscores the comprehensive nature of Indo-French relations, encompassing various sectors from defence to civil aviation. By working together on initiatives like SAF development and component sourcing, both countries aim to achieve sustainable growth in the aerospace industry.