France's big decision before Modi-Macron meeting: Withdraws from the submarine project for Navy, P-75 refuses to join India project

PM Narendra Modi is on a Europe tour. During his Europe tour, he will also visit France, where he will also meet Emmanuel Macron, the second-time President. But, even before Modi's visit to France, the major arms company Naval Group has given a big blow to India. The company has announced that it is withdrawing from the Rs 43 thousand crores P-75 India project in India.

Five international companies were shortlisted for this project, Naval Group being one of them. The group has stated that India cannot meet the conditions of the Proposal for Request (RFP), hence the company is unable to participate in the project.

43 thousand crores project

According to the report of a news website, this project is worth Rs 43 thousand crores, which is the biggest project under the new strategic partnership model. Under this project, submarines were to be built in India in collaboration with international companies and technology was to be transferred to the Indian company.

The Government of India is looking for a partner company under 'International Original Equipment Manufacturer' (IOEM) to manufacture submarines and transfer technology.

What is the P-75 Project?

This is the second project to build P-75 submarines in India. Naval Group has done this project with an Indian company named Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilding. India had a deal with France on this project in 2005, the naval group was then called DCNS. Of the six submarines to be built, four have been commissioned into the Navy. The construction of the sixth submarine started in March-April this year. It is to be commissioned in India by the end of 2023.

Why did the French company withdraw?

According to the news website, Naval Group has expressed its inability to withdraw from this bid due to the ability of 'C-Proven' AIP fuel cells, but according to information received from IOEM, it will share its expertise and technology with Indian partners. There is nothing comfortable about sharing.

French company Naval Group India head and managing director Laurent Vaidyu issued a statement last Saturday, in which he said that the request proposal requires that the fuel cell AIP is proven to work at sea, which is Not yet, as the French Navy does not use it.

According to Laurent Vaidyu, the Naval Group has said that this group has always been ready to offer the best and special technology for the P-75 project of the Indian Navy.