India-France talks spotlight fighter jet technology

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day visit to India on Tuesday, with talks expected to center on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-dollar Dassault Rafale fighter jet deal.

France is pushing to deepen its military partnership with New Delhi, including discussions on a possible contract for 114 additional Rafale jets. An Indian defense ministry statement last week confirmed that a proposed purchase had been cleared, with the majority of the aircraft set to be manufactured in India. A ministry source said the order is likely to total 114 jets.

If finalized, the deal — estimated at €30 billion ($35 billion) — would add to the 36 Rafales India bought in 2016 and the 26 ordered for its navy. India specialist Christophe Jaffrelot of Sciences Po described the potential agreement as the “contract of the century” and a possible “crowning achievement” in bilateral ties.

Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also set to inaugurate India’s first helicopter final assembly line via videoconference. The facility, a joint venture between Tata Group and Airbus in Karnataka, will manufacture the Airbus H125 helicopter.

Over the past decade, India has sought to reduce its reliance on Russia for military equipment, diversifying suppliers while expanding domestic production. France has emerged as a key defense and economic partner, with bilateral trade reaching roughly €15 billion annually and French investments in India nearing €13 billion.

Beyond defense, talks are expected to touch on global economic uncertainty, China’s regional influence and the war in Ukraine — an issue where India has maintained a delicate balancing act, continuing oil purchases from Russia.

Analysts say Macron and Modi share a strong personal rapport, which could help smooth negotiations as both sides pursue what the French presidency has described as a “historic” agreement.