Friends, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a tour of France and Slovakia from 13 to 18 June. This tour is expected to strengthen India’s strategic partnership in Europe, in which many agreements are likely to be signed in sectors like defence, technology, trade, energy and investment. Such high-level visits often make headlines for their diplomatic importance, but they also have a direct impact on economic cooperation and business opportunities. Let us know what we buy from France-
India and France have enjoyed strong bilateral relations for decades, built on mutual trust and strategic cooperation. France is not only a major defense supplier but also an important partner in sectors like aerospace, nuclear energy, infrastructure development, clean energy and advanced technology.
For France, India is a fast-growing market and an attractive investment destination. Also, India exports many types of products to France, due to which the trade relationship remains quite balanced.
What does India buy from France?
For many Indians, France is another name for the Rafale fighter jets. However, India’s imports from France are more than just defense equipment.
According to Commerce Ministry data, India’s major imports from France during the 2023-24 financial year included:
Aircraft, spacecraft and their components
Machinery, Boilers and Mechanical Equipment
Electrical Machinery and Equipment
Optical, Medical and Surgical Instruments
Chemical Products and Specialty Chemicals
Among these, aircraft and aerospace related imports had the largest share.
Big defense purchase from France
France remains one of India’s most important defense partners.
Some of the most notable defense collaborations include:
Rafale fighter aircraft for Indian Air Force
Mirage-2000 fighter jets, which have served India for decades
Scorpene-class submarine built through Indo-French collaboration
Collaboration in missile systems and guided weapons
Avionics and Aircraft Technology
Engines and Aerospace Systems
Maintenance support and spare parts supply
Technology Transfer and Joint Production Initiative
This is the reason why whenever Prime Minister Modi goes to France, the discussion on defense collaboration intensifies. Today this partnership extends far beyond just purchasing fighter jets.
What does India export to France?
Trade between the two countries is not one-sided. India exports many types of products to France, which contributes significantly to bilateral commerce.
India’s main exports to France during FY 2023-24 include:
Mineral fuel, mineral oil and related products
Machinery and Mechanical Equipment
Electrical Machinery and Equipment
pharmaceutical product
Readymade Garment and Textile
Apart from this, India also exports:
footwear
Smartphones and electronic products
Gems and Jewelery
aerospace components
chemical product
Simply put, France buys large quantities of Indian medicines, textiles, machinery, electronic goods and petroleum related products.
Investment relations are also increasing
India-France relations are no longer limited to just buying and selling goods.
French companies have increased their presence in these sectors in India:
automotive manufacturing
Renewable and conventional energy
Engineering and Industrial Equipment
electrical system
Aerospace and Aviation
Meanwhile, Indian companies have started operations in these areas in France:
information technology
auto components
steel manufacturing
Technology Services
French Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India has also increased significantly over the years, which shows the increasing confidence in the Indian economy.
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