India, France to finalise Mirage upgrade and Kaveri engine development plans by early 2009

Paris: India and France yesterday affirmed their intention to consolidate ties in the defence sector.

'Both countries are fully committed to consolidating their relationship in the field of defence by increasing the range, level and frequency of their military exchanges, joint exercises, joint programmes and prospects in the fields of defence industry, research and technology,' a joint statement issued after a summit meet between Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and president Nicolas Sarkozy has said.

'This commitment is well evidenced between the two countries by the possibility of joint development, as early as feasible, of Short Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SRSAM) and of the Kaveri engine for Light Combat Aircraft. Discussions concerning the upgradation of Mirage-2000 aircraft are also well under way and are expected to be finalised by next year,' it said.