NewKerala.com

Macron Defends Rafale Deal: 'I Love India, Deal Makes Nation Stronger'

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, expressed his affection for India and strong support for the bilateral Rafale fighter jet deal. He defended the agreement against domestic Indian critics, asserting it will strengthen India's defence, deepen strategic ties, and generate employment. Macron emphasized the 'Make in India' component and the unique "Special Global Strategic Partnership" between the two nations. He also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a special guest at the G7 as the BRICS Chair.

Key Points: Macron Slams Rafale Critics, Praises India-France Partnership

  • Macron defends Rafale deal from Indian critics
  • Deal to boost India's defence & create jobs
  • 'Make in India' a core part of the agreement
  • Partnership called unique 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'
2 min read

'I love your country', says French President Macron, slams naysayers over Rafale deal

French President Emmanuel Macron defends the India-France Rafale deal, calling criticism baffling and emphasizing its strategic and job-creation benefits.

'I love your country', says French President Macron, slams naysayers over Rafale deal
"I don't understand why people are criticising the deal. It will make your country stronger. - Emmanuel Macron"

New Delhi, Feb 19

"I love your country," was the broad message by French President Emmanuel Macron while speaking exclusively toon Thursday, during the ongoing India AI Impact Summit.

The French President explained the extent and impact of the strategic agreement between the two nations and also expressed surprise over why the India-France Rafale deal came under criticism from certain quarters in India, asserting that it will only make the nation stronger by opening new avenues of strategic co-operation and employment generation.

Speaking to media persons at the AI Impact Summit, he described the relationship between the two nations as "unique" and one with immense possibilities for enhanced co-operation in various areas of strategic interests.

He said that the high-stakes deal between India and France for 114 Rafale fighter jets will only add strategic strength to India's defence preparedness and wondered why this was drawing criticism from certain quarters in India.

"I don't understand why people are criticising the deal. It will make your country stronger, enhance strategic relations between the two nations and create more jobs here," Macron said.

"We are committed to having the maximum number of Indian components and critical devices made and built in India," he added.

Macron further said that the partnership between India and France is not just strategic but something that we call a "Special Global Strategic Partnership", which is unique for both nations.

He also said that Make In India will remain a core of the Rafale fighter jets deal and voiced optimism about further consolidation in ties by expanding the ambit and scope of co-operation, extending upto submarines.

"It's a new step forward, which will consolidate the ties between two nations. Rafale is the key, I hope this co-operation extends to submarines," he stated.

He also told the press that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the special guest of the G7 as the BRICS Chair.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to hear the commitment to Indian manufacturing. But the criticism wasn't about the jets themselves, it was about the process and the original cost. Transparency in such huge deals is what the public expects. Hope the new deal addresses those concerns.
V
Vikram M
France has been a reliable partner. Strategic depth is crucial. Extending cooperation to submarines is a logical next step. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Visiting from the US. It's fascinating to see such a deep strategic partnership. The focus on AI and defence tech collaboration between India and France is a sign of the shifting global order. Good read.
R
Rohit P
Jobs and technology! That's the key takeaway for me. If this deal creates high-skilled employment and builds our domestic defence industry, then it's worth every rupee. Macron's words are reassuring.
N
Nikhil C
Strong allies are needed in today's world. The "Special Global Strategic Partnership" sounds promising. Hope the collaboration goes beyond defence into clean energy and space as well.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50