India-France defence ties poised for new phase, with 114 Rafales in focus

The India-France strategic defence partnership is poised to enter a new phase, with a proposed agreement for 114 Rafale fighter aircraft, including substantial manufacturing in India. This would build on the 36 Rafales already inducted into the Indian Air Force and a longstanding relationship exemplified by the Mirage 2000 fleet.

Cooperation in aero-engine development, weapons integration and advanced defence technologies further reinforces France’s position as one of India’s most important strategic defence partners.

In the maritime domain, a proposal to acquire an additional two to three Scorpene-class submarines, currently under government consideration, reflects the urgent need to address shortfalls in India’s submarine fleet. The acquisition would ensure continuity of the successful P-75 programme while preserving vital submarine-building infrastructure, technical expertise and skilled manpower at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).


Upgraded Scorpenes incorporating advanced technologies, including Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and potentially land-attack missile capabilities, would significantly strengthen the navy’s operational capabilities. The proposed acquisition would complement, rather than compete with, the separate P-75(I) programme, given India’s substantial and pressing submarine requirements, according to military affairs experts.

The global security environment is evolving rapidly, with countries increasingly entering into strategic and defence partnerships that extend beyond traditional borders. Recent developments such as the Mecca Agreement, viewed by some as a potential ‘Islamic Nato’, highlight the growing importance of collective security arrangements and defence cooperation.

While India may not be directly party to or immediately affected by such arrangements, emerging security collaborations in its strategic neighbourhood could have implications for the country in the short, medium and long term.

Against this backdrop, India would benefit from strengthening its strategic relationships with trusted partners that have consistently supported its security interests, particularly Russia and France. France remains an important partner in Europe.

In February, India and France entered a new phase in their bilateral relationship by elevating ties to a ‘special global strategic partnership’.

Today, the relationship extends beyond its traditional pillars of defence, nuclear energy and space cooperation. Artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, critical technologies, climate action, Indo-Pacific security, supply chain resilience and innovation have emerged as major areas of collaboration.

The two nations adopted the ambitious Horizon 2047 Roadmap, setting out a vision for cooperation over the next 25 years. The roadmap coincides with the centenary of India’s independence and the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The two sides recognise that India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and France’s ambition under France 2030 offer strong convergences for building a future-oriented innovation partnership and creating investment opportunities in disruptive technologies.

They are adopting the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 to guide cooperation on co-development in critical and emerging technologies, strengthen trusted technology ecosystems, deepen academic and research mobility, and deliver outcomes for people, the planet and shared prosperity.

Building on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and their shared innovation agenda, India and France see innovation as central to economic resilience, sustainable development, strategic autonomy, and technological and industrial sovereignty. Both sides believe a stronger innovation partnership will help unlock the countries’ innovation potential and contribute to solutions for global challenges.