French President Emmanuel Macron aims to finalise a multibillion-dollar fighter jet contract during a three-day visit to India, strengthening a key strategic partnership.
MUMBAI: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India’s financial capital around midnight on Monday. He begins a three-day visit focused on defence cooperation and artificial intelligence.
Macron is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. Their talks are expected to centre on a potential contract for 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
An Indian defence ministry statement last week cleared the proposed purchase. It stated that “the majority” of the jets would be manufactured in India.
A New Delhi defence ministry source indicated that 114 aircraft was the likely number. The potential deal is valued at approximately €30 billion (USD 35 billion).
Christophe Jaffrelot, an India specialist at Sciences Po in Paris, described it as the “contract of the century”. He called it a potential “crowning achievement” for bilateral ties.
If finalised, these jets would supplement the 36 Rafales India purchased for its air force in 2016. A further 26 have been ordered for its navy.
The French presidency has voiced optimism that a “historic” agreement could be reached. Negotiations with manufacturer Dassault Aviation are still ongoing.
The leaders will also inaugurate India’s first helicopter final assembly line via videoconference. This is a joint venture between India’s Tata Group and Airbus.
The facility in Karnataka will manufacture the Airbus H125 helicopter. France has become one of India’s most important defence and economic partners over the last decade.
Macron’s office said the visit seeks to “further strengthen cooperation” and “diversify” economic partnerships. Bilateral trade stands at around €15 billion (USD 18 billion) annually.
Discussions are also expected to address global economic uncertainty and China’s regional influence. Modi’s office said talks would focus on “cementing the strategic partnership”.
The leaders share close personal ties, with Jaffrelot noting “a good chemistry, a good personal rapport”. One sensitive issue remains India’s stance on the war in Ukraine.
India has not condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion and continues to buy its oil. US President Donald Trump has said India committed to halting these purchases, though New Delhi has not formally confirmed this.
“If the Indians stop buying Russian oil, they won’t be blamed for abstaining at the UN,” Jaffrelot added. The visit follows India’s confirmation of its intent to order Rafale jets last week.
