Modi's visit to France: New Delhi, Paris set to discuss boosting cooperation in undersea domain

Business To Business, New Delhi, 12^th June, 2026:    As Narendra Modi begins his visit to France on Saturday, defence cooperation is expected to be a major focus of discussions, with both countries looking to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership.
The talks come at a time when India is seeking to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain and underwater warfare, amid growing strategic competition in key sea lanes and maritime regions.
One of the key issues expected to feature in the discussions is the Indian Navy's plan to expand its submarine fleet.
According to reports, India and France are likely to accelerate negotiations for the procurement of three additional Scorpene-class submarines.
The submarines are expected to be built jointly by:

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
• Naval Group, France's leading naval defence company

• Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
• Scorpene-class submarines.
• Advanced naval and aerospace technologies.

• Strengthening naval deterrence.
• Enhancing underwater combat capability.
• Securing maritime trade routes.
• Expanding indigenous defence manufacturing.

• Strategic and security cooperation.
• Space collaboration.
• Technology partnerships.
• Trade and investment.
• Climate and energy initiatives.