In a major boost to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the strategic defence partnership between New Delhi and Paris, France has indicated that it is fully comfortable with the transfer of technology (ToT) for Rafale fighter jets and integrating Indian-developed weapons and systems onto the aircraft. French sources indicated that “Make in India” would be a crucial component of this deal.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, where defence cooperation is expected to be among the key agenda items. Notably, PM Modi will undertake a week-long visit to France and Slovakia from Saturday. In France, he will participate in the outreach sessions of the G7 Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Technology transfer and indigenous integration
France has reportedly conveyed that technology transfer (ToT) for the Rafale programme is fully acceptable and that the integration of Indian-developed weapons, missiles, and ammunition onto the Rafale jets is also an integral part of the agreement.
France has reiterated that it views its defense ties with India not merely as a “customer-supplier” relationship, but as a long-term strategic partnership.
