India-France Defence Ties: India has moved a big step ahead in its plan to build six new submarines under Project-75I. The German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS, along with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, has emerged as the key team for the programme. The project was first opened in 2021 under India’s Strategic Partnership model, which was made to push local building, foreign technology transfer, and stronger “Make in India” work in defence. The original tender called for six AIP-fitted conventional submarines with advanced weapons, modern sensors, training support, and spares.
This is why Project-75I matters so much. It is not just about adding more submarines. It is about giving the Indian Navy boats that can stay hidden longer, fight better, and carry newer systems. The plan has long been seen as one of the most important underwater deals for India, and the contract value was described by the Defence Ministry as over Rs 40,000 crore when the request for proposal was issued.
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Why France did Not Push Back?
The quiet from France is easy to understand. Naval Group, the French shipbuilder that had once shown interest in Project-75I, pulled out of the race in 2022. Reports at the time said the company stepped away because the tender asked for a sea-proven AIP system, which it could not meet under those exact rules. Janes reported that Naval Group confirmed it had withdrawn because it could not compete under the RFP conditions.
That means France was already out of the contest long before the final choice began to take shape. So, there was no real reason for Paris to protest the later German selection. In simple terms, the French side had left the race, so the finish line did not change anything for them.
India Still Keeps Strong Ties With France
Even with Germany moving ahead in Project-75I, India and France still keep a very strong defence bond. Their work together is not limited to one submarine deal. The two sides have cooperated on Rafale jets, helicopter engine work, space projects, joint military exercises, and naval technology. India’s Scorpène or Kalvari-class submarines are also a major example of this long partnership, with six boats built by MDL using technology from Naval Group.
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That cooperation did not end when Naval Group exited Project-75I. In 2023, Naval Group and DRDO signed an agreement to help integrate DRDO’s indigenous fuel-cell AIP system into the Kalvari-class submarines. Naval Group said the goal was to safely certify the design for use on the existing boats, which would help them stay underwater for longer without surfacing. That shows the French link with India’s navy is still active and useful.
