France Stands Firm On Rafale Deal; Make In India Drives Pact: Macron

Emmanuel Macron on Thursday affirmed that New Delhi can rely on France for the expanding Rafale fighter jet programme. He placed ‘Make in India’ at the centre of the bilateral defence partnership with Narendra Modi

Speaking during an exclusive interaction on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, President Macron addressed the media.

He said France seeks to deepen industrial cooperation beyond aircraft sales.

The President highlighted enhanced maintenance capabilities, diversified engagement models and broader technology collaboration as key priorities.

President Macron stated that defence collaboration with India continues to strengthen and is entering a new phase.

He noted that indigenous content in joint projects is steadily increasing through dialogue between French firms and the Government of India under PM Modi’s leadership.

Macron underlined that the partnership reinforces India’s capabilities, creates domestic employment and consolidates the strategic bond between the two nations.

President Macron welcomed India’s recent approval to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, emphasising that most will be manufactured in India through co-production arrangements.

President Macron described the Rafale programme as central to the relationship and expressed hope for similar progress in submarine cooperation.

He added that France is also advancing collaboration in aero-engines and helicopters, particularly through partnerships between Tata and Airbus.

Earlier this week, Tata Advanced Systems Limited inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line for the Airbus H125 in Karnataka.

PM Modi and President Macron jointly marked the inauguration virtually, signalling further industrial integration.

President Macron also confirmed that he has invited PM Modi to visit France in June as a special guest at the G7 Summit in his capacity as BRICS President.

He described the India-France strategic partnership as unique and global in scope.

Beyond defence, President Macron noted fresh initiatives in innovation, culture, research and creative industries.

He concluded that the expanding cooperation reflects a mature and resilient strategic alignment anchored in mutual trust and shared ambitions.

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