French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday defended the agreement between India and France for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, dismissing criticism surrounding the deal and asserting that the acquisition would strengthen India’s military capabilities while deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations. Speaking during his visit to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit 2026, Macron said the agreement would not only enhance India’s defence preparedness but also generate employment opportunities within the country.
Responding to questions about the deal, Macron emphasised that the commercial aspects of the agreement were being handled through discussions between Dassault Aviation and the Indian government. He stated that criticism of the arrangement was misplaced, arguing that the purchase reinforces India’s security, expands bilateral strategic ties, and supports job creation through industrial collaboration and local manufacturing initiatives.
His remarks followed last week’s decision by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to approve the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft in a deal valued at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore. The approval came shortly before Macron’s visit and is expected to significantly enhance the operational strength of the Indian Air Force. Macron noted that discussions are progressing toward expanded cooperation, with India showing readiness to move ahead with a fresh order alongside plans for joint production.
Highlighting the evolving nature of bilateral defence relations, Macron described India and France as sharing a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” calling it a unique relationship that goes beyond conventional cooperation. He said the Rafale programme represents a new phase in this partnership, consolidating earlier defence collaboration while advancing industrial integration between the two countries.
The French president also stressed France’s commitment to increasing Indian participation in manufacturing and supply chains related to defence projects. He indicated that a substantial portion of components and critical systems would be produced in India, drawing parallels with the Tata-Airbus collaboration model. According to Macron, similar localisation efforts would be applied to the Rafale programme, reinforcing technology transfer and domestic production capabilities.
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron elevated bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership following extensive talks in Mumbai. The discussions resulted in more than 20 agreements spanning defence, technology, trade, skill development, healthcare, and cultural cooperation. Among the key outcomes were agreements to establish a Hammer missile manufacturing venture and a final assembly line in India for H125 helicopters, further strengthening defence-industrial collaboration.
Macron also indicated that cooperation could expand into submarine technology, with France offering advanced capabilities in that sector as part of future discussions. He described defence ties between the two countries as steadily strengthening and entering a new phase of strategic collaboration.
Addressing criticism related to his earlier comments on free speech, Macron clarified his position during a media interaction, stating that genuine freedom of expression requires mutual listening and equality in dialogue. He argued that many platforms claiming to promote free speech instead operate through opaque algorithms influenced by political or ideological bias, which in his view undermines true openness. He warned that when online platforms allow the spread of hateful or racist content under the banner of liberty, the principle of free speech risks devolving into disorder rather than constructive discourse.
Macron’s three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19 combines participation in the AI Impact Summit with high-level bilateral engagements, reflecting efforts by both nations to deepen cooperation across defence, innovation, culture, and global governance while reinforcing a partnership centred on strategic autonomy and long-term stability.
