MUMBAI: France and India Strengthen Partnership for Global Stability
On Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day visit to India, aimed at enhancing cooperation in technology and defense. The visit highlights the strong ties between the two nations, which they view as vital for global stability.
A major topic of discussion is a potential multibillion-dollar deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. Officials accompanying Macron indicated they are optimistic about finalizing this agreement soon. After meeting with Macron in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of this partnership, describing it as “a partnership for global stability” in today’s turbulent times.
Macron noted the “remarkable acceleration” in France-India relations, attributing it to the shifting global landscape. Both leaders affectionately referred to each other as “dear friends” in their social media exchanges.
This visit marks Macron’s fourth trip to India since he took office in 2017, accompanied by his wife Brigitte. It follows India’s recent announcement of intent to order more Dassault Rafale jets, alongside a groundbreaking free trade agreement signed with the European Union in January.
Macron is also set to attend an artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday.
A Landmark Deal in Defense
New Delhi has been working over the past decade to lessen its reliance on Russia, its traditional source of military supplies, and has been seeking to diversify its defense partnerships. An Indian defense ministry announcement last week confirmed that plans to purchase Rafale jets have received the green light, with most to be produced in India.
Christophe Jaffrelot, an expert on India at Sciences Po, called the potential €30 billion ($35 billion) deal for the Rafales the “contract of the century.” If completed, these jets will join the 62 Rafales India has already acquired.
French officials are optimistic about reaching what they consider a “historic” agreement.
During their meeting, Modi and Macron also inaugurated India’s first helicopter final assembly line through a video link. This facility, a collaboration between India’s Tata Group and Airbus, is located in Vemagal, Karnataka, and will produce the Airbus H125, a popular single-engine helicopter.
Building Stronger Ties
In recent years, France has become a key defense and economic partner for India. Macron’s office stated that this visit aims to deepen cooperation and diversify France’s trade relationships.
As the world’s most populous country, with a population of 1.4 billion, India is on track to become the fourth-largest economy globally. The discussions this week are also expected to cover global economic challenges, including issues related to tariff policies under past U.S. administration and China’s growing influence in the region.
The annual bilateral trade between France and India, largely driven by the defense and aerospace sectors, stands at around $18 billion. French investments in India amount to nearly $15 billion.
The two leaders are also keen on fostering personal bonds, with Jaffrelot remarking on the “good chemistry” between them. However, a sensitive issue remains regarding Ukraine; India has not condemned Russia’s invasion and continues to buy oil from Moscow. Macron urged India to support efforts to establish a lasting pause on attacks against civilians in Ukraine during his discussions with Modi.
