France has contributed significantly to Indian space programmes since decades is immense and now eyes sizeable business via the ‘Make in India’ programme.

“France has been making in India for the last 50 years. It has invested close to $19 billion and generated three lakh skilled jobs in India,” said French Ambassador to India Francois Richier.

“The per capita investment in the civilian space sector by France is second only to the US. India has the objective of maintaining a peaceful space and we too have peace as the key driver of the programme,” he added.

Indo-French agreement

France signed its first space co-operation agreement in 1964 and its continuity has been highlighted across many decades.

Richier said, “History – 50 years of co-operation with ups and downs has continued and will continue. It was Dr Homi Bhabha who signed the first ‘one page’ Indo French Co-operation Agreement in May 1964, even before ISRO was formed.”

ISRO is the second partner to France after NASA, considering the volumes of space ventures. “Now this long standing partnership is a key asset for our country. We have a good ecosystem strengthening our ties. Worldwide, France is the second investor per capita, second to USA, proving that France has Government commitment to support Space ventures. I am also sure this is very similar to what the Indian Government commits to space ventures,” Richier said.

‘Fascinated by success’

“Over the years, under the leadership of K Radhakrishnan (ISRO Chairman) and his predecessors, India has emerged as a first-class space nation. The achievements of India in the field of space (Mars Orbiter Mission) are across the media across the world. This is proof of the heritage of rewarding decades of hard work,” Richier explained. Praising Indian achievements, he said, “India’s MOM; we are fascinated by its success.” He further added that “Other achievements to mention are the development of India’s own regional satellite communication systems, IRSS.”

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