DÉFENSE ZONE
Established 75 years ago, Franco-Indian diplomatic relations have steadily brought the two countries closer, up to the signing of the strategic partnership, which celebrated its 25th anniversary on 26 January, India’s national day. More than 700 French companies from sectors such as energy, chemicals and aviation are present in India, making Paris the country’s leading European partner. The Indian defence market offers major opportunities for French manufacturers, as shown by the successful sale of 36 Rafales to the Indian armed forces. The next Milipol India show, which will take place from 26 to 28 October, will give French players the opportunity to present the latest French innovations.
A sizeable market with many opportunities
With 3.7 million police officers and a fast-growing market, India is of keen interest to security players. “Controlled costs, durability and pragmatism” are the watchwords of Indian demand, said Julien Noret, deputy regional internal security attaché at the French Embassy in New Delhi, during a recent webinar organised by the Seine-et-Marne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). Digital technology, strategy consulting, counter-drone warfare, and intervention, investigation or everyday equipment (community policing) are areas that often come up when the needs of Indian law enforcement are discussed. In addition, the paramilitary forces, halfway between the French Gendarmerie and the French Army, are expanding rapidly and calls for tender are common.
Source: CCI Seine-et-Marne
Having recently approved a budget of 22.5 billion euros, up 11.5% this year, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs confirms its determination to develop its law enforcement forces.
India launched the Make In India programme a long time ago; it aims to promote Indian sovereignty by encouraging companies to invest, set up and produce in India rather than import finished products. This programme offers many opportunities to French companies wishing to carve out a place there. “Creating distribution partnerships with Indian companies, opening a ‘maintenance centre’ or direct investment are all ways of fitting into the Make In India framework”, says Julien Noret. In addition, the New Delhi government encourages the opening of subsidiaries in the country by considerably simplifying the procedures: “as far as the administrative paperwork is concerned, three to four weeks are enough”.
To set up in the country, it is important to take local constraints into account. Needs can vary considerably from region to region, and products must be robust, offer technical added value, be durable and be easy to maintain.
Milipol India, 26 to 28 October 2023
At the Milipol India show, a France pavilion will showcase French expertise. The event covers a wide range of security sectors and aims to become more than just a commercial event. “It illustrates the strong determination of France and India to strengthen their strategic and political partnership”, says Anne Frayssinet, director of Milipol events.
Source: CCI Seine-et-Marne
The show has the support of the French Ministry of the Interior, which wants to help manufacturers in their prospecting. The Directorate of International Security Cooperation will organise meetings between French companies and the many foreign delegations from neighbouring countries (notably Bangladesh and Nepal) and from across the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, BPI France offers insurance covering prospecting expenses as well as support in identifying prospects and making contact with the many local decision-makers. Some bodies are the responsibility of the central government, while others report to each federal state, so it is sometimes difficult to identify the right contact. The public investment bank also organises training for managers and executives who wish to improve their international trade skills. For example, export issues and the identification of dual-use goods are among the subjects covered.
To get a stand in the France Pavilion, contact Mr Andres Nunez by email: anunez@seineetmarne.cci.fr
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