Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvis has offered to collaborate with India on production of light combat aircraft in the country along with state-of-the-art submarines as part of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, the Economic Times said.

“During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interests concerning bilateral defence cooperation and regional security scenario,” a statement by the Defence Ministry said.

“The issue of participation of Swedish firms in defence manufacturing in India under the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative was also discussed by both sides,” the statement added.

Swedish company Saab had offered JAS39 Gripen-E light fighter to India when the tender for Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft was announced, the newspaper said.