Macron Backs Mega Rafale Jet Deal, Says It Will Make India Stronger

French President Emmanuel Macron defended New Delhi’s proposed move to purchase and co-produce 114 Rafale fighter jets, saying the mega defence plan will make India stronger while deepening strategic coordination and creating jobs in both countries.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Macron said, "I don't understand why people are criticising the deal. It will make your country stronger, enhance strategic relations between the two nations, and create more jobs here."

He stressed that "Make in India" will be a "core" component of the programme and positioned the proposed acquisition as a cornerstone of the growing Special Global Strategic Partnership between France and India.

Macron noted that Paris hopes to replicate the success of the Rafale programme in the submarine sector as well. "Rafale is absolutely key," he said. "I hope we will do it on submarines. We offered additional capacities."

What are the key details and expected cost of the 114 Rafale deal with Dassault Aviation?

In its largest ever defence acquisition push, India last week cleared the long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework with France.

Details of the deal, including co-production plans, are expected to be sealed after technical and commercial negotiations and are yet to be made public. Media reports have said that the 114 jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation are expected to cost 3.25 trillion rupees.

The move comes at a time when the number of the Indian Air Force fighter squadrons has declined to 31 from the officially sanctioned strength of 42.

India has so far purchased 36 Rafales for its air force and ordered another 26 marine versions of the jet for the navy. In 2015, the government announced a government-to-government framework to procure 36 Rafale fighters and the jets are now operational with the air force.

Last year, the Indian Navy sealed a Rs 64,000 crore deal to procure 26 marine variants of the aircraft.

France is also looking to finalise a programme to build three Scorpene submarines, proposed to be jointly constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited and Naval Group.

Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines have already been constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited in collaboration with Naval Group.

Macron’s visit to India, during which he attended the AI Summit, also focused on technology and innovation cooperation. Concluding his trip, he shared a "Thank You India!" note on X along with a video appreciating the warm welcome he received.

What did Emmanuel Macron discuss with Sundar Pichai at the AI Summit during his India visit?

On the final day of the visit, Macron held discussions with Sundar Pichai at the AI Summit. In a post on X, Macron said, "Solutions to our digital challenges are not found on Google, but built with Google and all stakeholders. At the Delhi AI Summit, together with Sundar Pichai, we discussed the priorities of the French G7 Presidency. And I shared one message: Choose France!"

Pichai said he enjoyed the discussion with the French President and highlighted France’s technological strengths. "With its leadership of the G7, France has a pivotal role to play in unlocking the opportunities of AI, and we are proud to be a partner," he said in a post on X.

Macron also held talks with Alexandr Wang, Meta’s chief AI officer. "Constructive discussions with Alexandr Wang from Meta at the Delhi AI Summit. We discussed what France has to offer: talent, research, and data centres. In two words: Choose France!" he said in a post on X. "We also reviewed measures to protect young people on social media, in particular the proposal I support to ban access for those under 15. Good news: Meta is committed to moving forward with us," he added.

Earlier, Macron described the India France bilateral relationship as being at its highest point, with both nations seeking to deepen cooperation across technology, innovation and strategic sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a bilateral meeting with the French President in the capital on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

During his address at the summit, Macron lauded India’s digital transformation and its pioneering role in technology governance, calling the nation’s progress a global benchmark.

The visit signalled sustained momentum in the India France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and emerging technologies.

(With inputs from ANI)