India on Monday asked France to declare its policy on technology transfer in respect to supply of critical technological components and to ensure that strategic partnership between the two countries was reflected in their arms sales policies to China and Pakistan.
"The full potential of Indo-French cooperation in the defence industries has not been fully exploited in the past due to certain apprehensions," visiting Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told his French hosts.
"We would like to hear the French government on its policy of technology transfer of critical technological components," he said.
Mukherjee said India wants French to be "more open" on transfer of technology for critical components like ring laser gyro and firm commitments on export licences of French cruise missiles.
In his opening remarks at the start of talks with his French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie, he said in some cases of air force proposals too, certain important technologies have either not been provided or withdrawn.
His remarks came as the two countries are firming up on signing a technical agreement for cooperation in the field of missile development. India already has a similar agreement in place with Israel in regard to cruise missile.
Mukherjee said in recent times hopeful signs have emerged that the French side would be "more positive".
His comments came after more than two hours of one-to-one meetings with the French defence minister followed by delegation-level talks.
The minister also visited some key defence installations dealing with air defence and joint operations.
Elaborating on Indo-French strategic partnership, Mukherjee said, "India would also like a French response to a strategic partnership to be reflected in their arms sales policies to China and Pakistan."
Mukherjee also sought French help in expansion of the United Nations Security Council and adequate representation from Asia, Africa and other regions.
Appreciating that French companies had earlier supplied "critical components to India", Mukherjee said he hoped this close cooperation would continue in the future.
Asked about the French request to India to continue in UNIFIL, he said, "We are still continuing in Lebanon. We have expressed our views on further deployment. Talks are going on and we will like our views to be heard."
