India's software-to-steel conglomerate Tata Group and US industrial giant General Electric have signed a partnership to make jet engine parts in India, the companies announced Thursday.

Under the agreement signed on November 29, but not made public until Thursday, the two firms said they would build components for CFM International's LEAP engines used in commercial jets.

CFM is a joint venture between GE and French company Safran Aircraft Engines.

Tata and GE will also pursue military engine and aircraft system opportunities for the India market, the companies said in the statement.

India, the world's largest defence importer, wants to build more of its hardware in country and reduce reliance on costly military purchases.