New Delhi: France has reaffirmed its support for India’s “Make in India” initiative in the defence sector, indicating that future strategic collaborations—including the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force—will be based on co-development, local manufacturing, and industrial partnership rather than a traditional buyer-seller arrangement.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on June 13-14 for the G7 Summit, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the gathering.
French diplomatic sources have described the evolving defence relationship between the two countries as entering a new phase, one that emphasizes technology sharing, industrial cooperation, and greater participation by Indian companies in defence production.
A New Model for the Rafale Programme
India is currently moving forward with a major defence procurement programme involving 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, a deal estimated to be worth around ₹3.25 lakh crore.
According to French officials, any future defence programme involving Rafale aircraft will be structured in line with India’s domestic manufacturing priorities. The proposed framework is expected to focus on local production, integration of Indian systems, and long-term industrial collaboration.
French sources stressed that the relationship is built on an “equal partnership” model, moving beyond conventional arms sales toward joint capability development. The approach aligns with India’s objective of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing while gaining access to advanced military technologies.
The announcement is likely to reinforce the growing strategic trust between New Delhi and Paris, which has steadily expanded across defence, space, maritime security, and technology sectors over the past decade.
Nuclear Cooperation Back in Focus
Beyond defence, civil nuclear energy is expected to feature prominently in discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron.
French officials expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the nuclear sector, citing recent policy and legislative developments in India that could facilitate greater investment and collaboration.
French utility companies are reportedly engaged in discussions with Indian stakeholders regarding future nuclear projects. Diplomats indicated that the two countries are exploring fresh opportunities for collaboration and that significant progress could emerge before the end of the year.
The renewed focus on nuclear energy comes as India seeks to diversify its clean energy portfolio and accelerate its transition toward low-carbon power generation.
Possibility of Joining Sixth-Generation Fighter Programme
France has also left the door open for deeper collaboration with India in next-generation military aviation projects.
Officials suggested that India could potentially participate in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, Europe’s ambitious sixth-generation fighter aircraft initiative. While no formal proposal is currently under consideration, French sources said that “all possibilities remain open” should India express interest through an official framework.
India had earlier conveyed its willingness to explore participation in the FCAS programme during the sixth India-France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru earlier this year. During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed potential cooperation with his French counterpart, emphasizing India’s interest in co-development and co-manufacturing of advanced combat aircraft technologies.
Launched jointly by France and Germany in 2017, with Spain joining two years later, the FCAS programme aims to develop a comprehensive next-generation air combat ecosystem centered on a sixth-generation fighter aircraft supported by advanced digital and networked capabilities.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
France remains one of India’s most trusted defence and strategic partners. The two countries have deepened cooperation across a range of sectors, including defence manufacturing, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, counter-terrorism, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to meet President Macron, expectations are high that the visit will further strengthen bilateral ties and lay the groundwork for a more ambitious phase of defence and technology collaboration.
With “Make in India” emerging as a central pillar of future cooperation, the India-France partnership appears poised to move beyond procurement and toward a model focused on joint innovation, industrial growth, and long-term strategic alignment.
