French President Emmanuel Macron came out swinging against Rafale deal detractors during his India visit, calling their stance perplexing. In an exclusive IANS interview at the India AI Impact Summit, he detailed how the pact empowers India economically and militarily.
Joined by the UN chief at the event’s launch in New Delhi, Macron praised the partnership as exceptionally robust. ‘We’re advancing into fresh collaborative territories with India,’ he said post-expo visit.
Key to the deal: escalating use of Indian-made parts, a focus of Dassault-India discussions. Dismissing naysayers, Macron argued the Rafale strengthens India’s defenses, bolsters ties, and spurs job growth.
He committed to ‘Made in India’ maximization, citing the recent Tata-Airbus H-125 assembly line inauguration in Vemgal as precedent—set to employ thousands under Modi’s vision.
Macron also revealed inviting PM Modi to France in June for G7 participation in his BRICS capacity. Following India’s approval of 114 Rafales, France is eager for joint manufacturing, extending to submarines. This evolving alliance redefines global defense dynamics, with India at its heart.