Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and France’s Naval Group have held discussions on expanding their long-standing submarine-building partnership during the EURONAVAL 2026 exhibition in Paris. The meeting focused on potential future submarine programmes, increasing indigenous content in naval manufacturing and strengthening long-term support for the Indian Navy’s existing submarine fleet.
MDL Chairman and Managing Director Capt. Jagmohan met Naval Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Éric Pommellet to discuss opportunities for taking bilateral submarine cooperation forward. A key subject was a possible additional submarine project, alongside efforts to increase the participation of Indian industries in future construction and technology-related activities.
The discussions come as India continues to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and address the long-term requirements of its underwater fleet. Greater indigenous participation could create further opportunities for Indian suppliers, engineering companies and specialised manufacturing facilities while building on the experience gained through previous Indo-French submarine cooperation.
Maintenance and supply chain management for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines also featured prominently during the meeting. Both organisations discussed ways to improve lifecycle support, ensure the availability of essential components and strengthen the technical infrastructure required to maintain the fleet. Reliable maintenance arrangements are important for sustaining submarine readiness and ensuring that the vessels remain available for operational deployment throughout their service lives.
The MDL–Naval Group partnership has already delivered six Kalvari-class submarines to the Indian Navy under Project 75. Based on the French Scorpène design, these conventional diesel-electric submarines were constructed at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai with French technology transfer and Indian industrial participation. The programme has helped MDL strengthen its submarine construction expertise while supporting the development of a wider domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The successful completion of the six-submarine programme has provided an industrial foundation for exploring further cooperation. Any additional construction programme could build on the infrastructure, technical experience and skilled workforce developed during the earlier project. It could also offer opportunities to deepen technology collaboration and expand the role of Indian companies in submarine production and long-term maintenance.
The discussions are also taking place against the backdrop of India’s wider efforts to modernise its conventional submarine fleet. With evolving maritime security requirements in the Indian Ocean region, maintaining sufficient underwater capabilities remains an important priority for the Indian Navy. Alongside new submarine acquisition plans, improvements in maintenance, upgrades and indigenous technologies will be essential to sustaining operational effectiveness.
EURONAVAL 2026, being held in Paris from November 3 to 6, provides an international platform for naval forces, defence companies and shipbuilders to discuss maritime security requirements and emerging naval technologies. The exhibition has also provided an opportunity for Indian defence industry representatives to present their capabilities and engage with international partners.
India’s Ambassador to France, Sanjeev Singla, inaugurated the India Pavilion at the exhibition in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. He also visited the MDL exhibition booth, where he was briefed on the company’s warship construction programmes, submarine-building capabilities, technological initiatives and future projects.
Although the latest discussions indicate continued interest in strengthening the MDL–Naval Group relationship, no final agreement, confirmed order value or implementation schedule for an additional submarine project was announced following the meeting. Further decisions will depend on the requirements of the Indian Navy and the relevant approval and procurement processes.
The engagement nevertheless highlights the continuing importance of India-France defence industrial cooperation, particularly in submarine construction and fleet support. By combining Naval Group’s design and technological expertise with MDL’s shipbuilding infrastructure and India’s expanding industrial capabilities, the partnership could contribute to the country’s long-term ambitions for a stronger and more self-reliant submarine manufacturing sector.