India and France are looking to strengthen their long-standing submarine-building partnership, with fresh discussions between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and French defence manufacturer Naval Group at EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris. The engagement highlights the growing importance of international industrial cooperation as India works to expand its domestic naval manufacturing capabilities.
During the meeting, Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, held discussions with Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group. The two sides reportedly explored opportunities for the next phase of their submarine partnership, including a possible additional submarine project for the Indian Navy and greater participation by Indian industries.
A key focus of the discussions was increasing indigenous content in future submarine programmes. Expanding the role of Indian manufacturers and suppliers could strengthen the country’s defence supply chain, improve domestic technical expertise and support the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The involvement of local industries is particularly important for complex naval platforms that require specialised components, engineering and long-term technical support.
The companies also discussed maintenance and supply chain management for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines. Reliable maintenance arrangements are essential for ensuring the operational availability of submarines, which require regular technical inspections, specialised servicing and access to critical components throughout their service life.
The MDL–Naval Group partnership is built on the successful execution of India’s Project 75 programme. Under this initiative, six Scorpène-design submarines were constructed at Mazagon Dock’s Mumbai shipyard with technical assistance and technology transfer from Naval Group. The submarines are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir and INS Vaghsheer.
The programme represented a major step forward for India’s conventional submarine construction capabilities. It provided Indian engineers and industrial suppliers with valuable experience in advanced submarine manufacturing, systems integration and complex naval engineering.
The latest engagement also reflects the broader strategic relationship between New Delhi and Paris. Defence cooperation between the two countries covers several areas, including maritime security, advanced military technologies, aerospace and defence manufacturing. Submarine cooperation remains an important element of this relationship.
For Mazagon Dock, further collaboration could create opportunities to utilise its established submarine-building infrastructure and strengthen its position in India’s future naval programmes. For Naval Group, continued cooperation with Indian industry provides an opportunity to build on its existing technology partnership and support the development of India’s domestic defence ecosystem.
The discussions took place during EURONAVAL 2026, held in Paris from November 3 to 6. The international naval defence exhibition brings together shipbuilders, defence manufacturers, naval representatives and government delegations to discuss emerging maritime technologies and future naval requirements.
Although the meeting signals continued interest in expanding bilateral submarine cooperation, no new submarine construction contract or final financial agreement was announced in the reported discussions. Any additional programme would require further negotiations and the relevant government approvals.
Nevertheless, the renewed engagement between MDL and Naval Group underlines the importance of India-France industrial cooperation as India seeks to modernise its submarine fleet, improve domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its long-term maritime security preparedness.
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