President Macron hosted PM Modi for talks, aiming to expand India-France strategic partnership. Key outcomes include an innovation roadmap, economic security dialogue, AI governance group, and a goal to double bilateral trade in five years. Defense, civil nuclear cooperation, and talent mobility were also discussed.
India's first 'Made-in-India' Airbus C295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden test flight in Vadodara. This is the first of 40 aircraft to be built in India by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the Indian Air Force, marking a milestone for the nation's defense manufacturing.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi, emphasizing the 'Make in India' approach for defense cooperation and discussing energy security, trade, nuclear energy, critical minerals, AI, and global conflicts.
India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.
Indian Army initiates procurement of 159 bullet-proof troop carriers for Rashtriya Rifles in J&K and Ladakh, seeking Indian vendors through RFI with 60 units/year minimum delivery. Vehicles must operate at 5,000m altitude, -10°C to +40°C temperatures, with 80-100 kmph road speed and 50-75 kmph off-road capability.
