French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently in India for the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, defended the Rafale deal with India, saying it makes India a stronger military power, creates more jobs and boosts the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron said India had confirmed its willingness to command a new batch of Rafale jets, and described it as a “new step forward" for India-France defence cooperation.
In response to a question on the Rafale deal, Macron said, “We are always increasing indigenous components. It’s part of this dialogue between the company and your government. And I mean, I don’t see how people can criticise because it makes your country stronger. It increases the strategic connection between us, and it creates more jobs here."
VIDEO | On Rafale, French President Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) says under the new deal, they are committed to having a maximum number of Indian components, and manufacturing a maximum number of critical device in India.He says, “We are always increasing indigenous…pic.twitter.com/z9WR3BgNsx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)February 19, 2026
He also said that France was committed having a maximum number of Indian components and manufacturing a maximum number of critical devices in India. “You can count on us," he affirmed.
His remarks came after theDefence Acquisition Council(DAC) on Thursday approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy and combat missiles. The meeting of the council was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The approval comes at a time when the Indian Air Force’s squadron strength has fallen to 29, significantly below the authorised strength of 42 — the lowest level in decades. Once the deal is completed, the Indian Air Force will operate a fleet of around 150 Rafale jets, while the Indian Navy will induct 26 carrier-compatible Rafale aircraft.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
