Mathew noted that there are already two contracts for the supply of Rafale, and the parties are ready for further negotiations. "Unlike many other countries, the French industry fully supports the Make in India concept," he added.
According to the diplomat, Dassault Aviation not only wants to sell fighters but is also ready to organize their production in India. "This is our goal," he emphasized.
India plans to purchase 114 Rafale fighters
According to information from ThePrint, India intends to acquire at least 114 new Rafale fighters by signing a contract next year. Under the agreement, 18 aircraft will be delivered from France, while the rest will be assembled in India, where Dassault will create an assembly line.Localization is expected to reach at least 60%.
If the deal is concluded, India will become the largest user of Rafale in the world, second only to France.Earlier, India purchased 36 Rafale fighters in 2016 and this year ordered 26 naval models of Rafale Marine for the navy.
Joint development of an engine for AMCA
Mathew also confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between the French company Safran and the Indian government for the joint development of an engine for the new fifth-generation fighter AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).This information was announced by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in August.
France as a major arms supplier to India
Over the past ten years, France has established itself among the leading suppliers of defense equipment to India, alongside Russia.According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), during 2019-2023, French weapons accounted for 33% of all Indian military purchases, second only to Russian supplies (36%).
Mathew noted: "Compare Russia's share 10-15 years ago with the current situation, and then look at how France's share has changed over this time - the difference is obvious."
Moreover, he emphasized that cooperation between Paris and New Delhi covers a much broader spectrum than just defense.
“It’s not just about weapons and security. We aim to engage all layers of society – culture, universities, and students. That’s what our task is,” he said.
From strategic partnership to human connections
India and France have a long history of strategic partnership, formalized in 1998 when most Western countries condemned India for its nuclear tests, but Paris did not impose sanctions.In 1976, during the height of the emergency in India, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac attended the Republic Day parade as a guest of honor.
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron actively support political dialogue. Macron was the guest of Republic Day in India last year, while Modi was the guest of honor at the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.
Next February, Macron is expected to visit India again to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Key areas of cooperation
The French ambassador highlighted three key aspects of the partnership with India:- security and defense;
- joint efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and global health;
- cultural and human connections.
India and France - co-founders of the International Solar Alliance
The countries jointly co-lead the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which was established in 2015 during the Paris Climate Summit (COP21).Since 2018, the ISA has united 125 states, becoming an important platform for ensuring access to solar energy.
Mathew reminded: "This year we are celebrating the decade of the Paris Agreement and the ISA. France remains a co-chair of this organization."
Education and cultural ties
According to Mathew, there are currently about 10,000 students from India studying in France, and Paris plans to increase this number.“We are developing special programs to help Indian students come, learn the language, and enroll in the best universities in France. For example, the Paris Polytechnic Institute is in high demand among Indians,” the ambassador reported.
Conclusion
France aims to develop a strategic partnership with India, expanding it into various areas, including defense, energy, science, and culture. The production of Rafale in India could become a symbol of a new stage in this cooperation.
