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Macron’s India Visit: Is France Emerging as India’s ‘New Russia’ in Defense Cooperation?

French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to India comes at a time when rapidly expanding defense ties have sparked discussions that France could become India’s “new Russia” in strategic cooperation.

For decades, Russia remained India’s most trusted defense partner. Now, France is increasingly being seen as a long-term, high-technology, and reliable pillar of India’s defense partnerships.

President Macron will be in India from February 17 to 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome him in Mumbai on February 17.

Defense Cooperation at the Core of India–France Strategic Partnership

During bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will review the progress of the India–France strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation into new and emerging sectors.

On Tuesday evening, the two leaders will jointly inaugurate the “India-France Year of Innovation 2026.” This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai.

On February 17, defense ministers of both nations will meet in Bengaluru to discuss a future roadmap for defense cooperation. India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin are expected to lead discussions, with several key defense agreements likely to receive approval.

Defense remains central to India–France relations.

Rafale Fighter Jet Deal to Strengthen Defense Ties

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the bilateral defense cooperation agreement between the two countries is expected to be renewed for another 10 years.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of HAMMER missiles is also likely to be signed in the presence of both defense ministers.

Recently, India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of more than 100 Rafale fighter jets from France. This major deal has taken bilateral defense cooperation to a new level.

The agreement will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. It also includes long-term maintenance, training, spare parts supply, and technical collaboration, further deepening the India–France strategic partnership.

Experts believe that the large-scale acquisition of Rafale jets positions France as a key pillar in India’s defense modernization—strengthening the perception that France could become India’s “new Russia.”

This signals a shift from a traditional buyer-seller relationship toward co-development and co-production of advanced defense systems.

Expanding Beyond Defense: Indo-Pacific, AI and Emerging Technologies

Macron’s visit is not limited to defense cooperation. In Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on strategic collaboration.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, talks will also cover regional and global issues. Stability in the Indo-Pacific region, a multipolar world order, and strengthening global supply chains are among shared priorities.

President Macron will also participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India, potentially opening new avenues of cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

India and France are deepening collaboration in innovation, digital technology, space, maritime security, and energy security.

A defining feature of India–France relations is their shared emphasis on strategic autonomy and long-term partnerships, including defense technology transfers.

In recent years, France has supplied advanced military platforms and technical support to India, signaling that it aims to be more than just a supplier—it seeks to be a trusted and enduring strategic partner.