The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing its defence sector by promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. During a briefing on 14 June, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised ongoing talks regarding the Rafale aircraft with France, highlighting a focus on developing indigenous capabilities. He stated that the current approach aims to cultivate co-development, co-design, co-production, and co-manufacturing in defence.

Misri underscored the significance of local production, noting that the Indian Air Force currently operates Rafale jets, which has facilitated dialogue between the two nations and their respective air forces. He indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stressed the importance of indigenisation in defence discussions, emphasising that the objective is to maximise local manufacturing.

He stated, “We aim to move towards co-developing, co-designing, co-producing, and co-manufacturing,” highlighting the preference for production within India as paramount.

Prime Minister Modi’s Engagement With French Officials

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nice, he engaged in bilateral and delegation-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. These discussions encompassed a wide range of defence cooperation topics beyond just the Rafale programme. Misri pointed out that the overarching aim during these talks was to maximise local content and manufacturing for any defence platform being considered.

Additionally, Modi and Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave, further demonstrating the strengthening ties between the two nations. The discussions during this visit are expected to lay the groundwork for future cooperation in various sectors, especially in defence.

Earlier in June, India issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France, signalling its intent to secure a substantial government-to-government contract valued at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets. This is part of a broader strategy to bolster the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities amid ongoing challenges with aircraft inventory management.

Details of the Proposed Rafale Deal

According to sources within the Defence Ministry, the acquisition process is advancing with the French government’s anticipation of a response to India’s recent Letter of Request within the upcoming two to three months. The goal is to conclude negotiations and finalise the deal by next year. This contract will enable the manufacturing of 94 Rafale jets in India through a collaboration between French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and an Indian enterprise.

The Indian Air Force and Indian Navy had previously placed orders for a total of 62 Rafale jets. If the new order is approved, the total count of Rafale aircraft in the Indian military would rise to 176, further addressing the country’s critical shortage of fighter aircraft squadrons. Furthermore, the Indian Navy is interested in acquiring an additional 31 Rafale jets to enhance its maritime defence capabilities, potentially increasing the total number to over 200.

This agreement would represent a significant milestone, as it would be the first instance of Rafale jets being produced outside of France. The project aims for approximately 50 per cent localisation, which aligns with the ‘Make in India’ vision. Defence Secretary officials noted that the contract will ensure government-to-government dealings free from intermediaries, ensuring transparency throughout the project.

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