France want to be partner in building national base for defence industries in India: French envoy Lenain

Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said France is committed to making available the best technologies to Indian forces without restrictions.

French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said his country wants to be a partner in the process of building a national industrial base for defence industries in India.

Talking to reporters on Saturday on board French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, which took part in the Indo-French naval exercise 'Varuna' off the Goa coast, Mr. Lenain said the two countries can co-produce a lot of equipment for the defence and space sectors.

France is committed to making available the best technologies to Indian forces without restrictions, he said.

Mr. Lenain said France has really understood the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

“We understand that also because we are a highly independent country and we have been through that process also. We want to be a partner in the process to build a national industrial base for defence industries in India,” he said.

When India is looking to diversify its suppliers, France is a great option, the envoy said.

Mr. Lenain said his country is committed to making available the best technologies to Indian forces without restrictions. “France will not only support for make in India, but also come forward to co-develop and co-produce equipment,” he said.