French President Emmanuel Macron defends the Rafale fighter jet deal with India during his visit to New Delhi, emphasizing its benefits for India's military strength and the strategic partnership between the two nations.
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron participated in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he made significant remarks regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal. In response to queries about the criticisms surrounding the deal, Macron expressed his confusion over the opposition's stance, stating that the agreement has strengthened India, and thus countered the accusations against it. He emphasized that the deal adds to India's military capabilities and deepens the strategic partnership between India and France.
Macron further clarified that the commercial aspects of the deal are part of an ongoing dialogue between Dassault Aviation and the Indian government. He reiterated that the criticism is unfounded as the deal not only fortifies India's defense posture but also fosters bilateral relations and creates additional employment opportunities within India. His comments come at a critical time following a recent defense acquisition council meeting led by India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, which approved the procurement of 114 Rafale jets.
The statements made by Macron highlight the importance of the Rafale deal in the context of international defense collaborations and underline France's ongoing commitment to enhancing India’s military prowess. This engagement can also be viewed as a strategic maneuver to strengthen ties amid geopolitical dynamics in Asia, showcasing the potential for further cooperation between the two nations in various sectors.
