SOURCE: AFI
As part of ongoing Indo-French strategic ties, a high-level delegation from the Indian Navy visited EURONAVAL 2024 in Paris, one of the world’s premier exhibitions focused on naval defense and maritime security. This year’s edition of EURONAVAL highlighted advanced maritime technologies and defense solutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among global defense players.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, led the Indian delegation, engaging with top-tier global defense manufacturers and discussing strategic projects that align with India’s defense modernization goals. The visit underscored India’s focus on strengthening its naval capabilities through international partnerships, especially with France, a long-standing ally in defense cooperation.
During the event, Vice Admiral Swaminathan emphasized India’s commitment to self-reliance through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to enhance domestic defense manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports. He held discussions with French defense companies involved in key projects for the Indian Navy, particularly those contributing to indigenous technology development and transfer. The aim is to leverage EURONAVAL as a platform to support India’s vision for a self-reliant defense industry and foster meaningful partnerships that promote the development of cutting-edge technologies within India.
Notably, Vice Admiral Swaminathan’s engagements included dialogues on collaborative ventures that align with India’s indigenous shipbuilding and submarine programs, modernization of naval assets, and incorporation of advanced surveillance and electronic warfare systems. Indian representatives also explored technologies in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), advanced radar systems, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW), all crucial for securing India’s maritime interests.