France, India collaborate to set up aeronautics cluster and campus for space training

France’s Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou on Monday said the two countries have been strategic partners for a long time, especially in the fields of defence and aerospace.

France, India collaborate to set up aeronautics cluster and campus for space training

Speaking at a conference organized by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) in the national capital, he noted that 55% of French exports to India are in the aeronautical sector, amounting to 2.7 billion euros in the first half of 2024.

While noting that the partnership is not just strategic but universal, he said they are currently working on an Indo-French campus for professional training in aeronautics and space.

”We are also working with the civil aviation ministry to set up an aeronautics cluster…,” he said.

Specific details about the cluster proposal could not be immediately ascertained.

According to the Ambassador, France will support India’s goal to decarbonise transport and on developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

At the event, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said India and France can work together to develop a robust SAF supply chain.