France signals new partnership model for 114 Rafale fighter jets with emphasis on 'Make in India' ahead of Modi's France visit
French diplomatic sources announced that France will structure its proposed sale of 114 Rafale fighter jets to India as an equal partnership aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative, rather than a traditional client-vendor arrangement. The announcement comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to France for the G7 Summit on June 13-14, 2026, where bilateral defence talks are scheduled. This signals a shift toward greater technology transfer, local manufacturing, and industrial cooperation in India-France defence relations.
France has indicated a significant shift in its approach to defence cooperation with India, particularly regarding the proposed procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. According to French diplomatic sources, the deal will be structured as an equal partnership based on co-development and industrial cooperation rather than a traditional arms sale. The new model emphasizes local manufacturing, integration of Indian weapons systems, and participation by Indian entities, aligning with India's 'Make in India' initiative. Beyond the Rafale deal, France expressed optimism about enhanced cooperation in civil nuclear energy, with French utility companies engaged in discussions with Indian stakeholders. Additionally, French sources indicated openness to India's participation in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), France's sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme, though any formal partnership would require a concrete proposal from India. The announcements precede bilateral talks between PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the G7 Summit.
What different sources said
- The TribuneCenter
France assures tech transfer, weapon integration for 114 Rafale jets ahead of PM Modi’s visit
- The HinduCenter
France backs ‘Make in India’ in defence, signals new model for Rafale deal ahead of Modi visit
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