India and France have developed a long-standing strategic relationship since establishing their formal strategic partnership in 1998. Over nearly three decades, cooperation has expanded beyond defence purchases to include joint military exercises, maritime security, defence research, advanced technologies, and space activities. The partnership has become an important element of bilateral relations and a contributor to stability in the Indo-Pacific. A major development came on 28 April 2025, when the two countries signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for India to acquire 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. The order comprises 22 single-seat carrier-capable fighters and four twin-seat trainers, with a total value of approximately ₹63,000 crore. The package also covers weapons, simulators, training, associated equipment, long-term logistics support, and additional equipment for the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2028 or early 2029 and are expected to conclude by 2030. The agreement has significant industrial implications, including technology transfer for integrating indigenous Indian weapons. It also supports the establishment of domestic aerospace infrastructure through a Rafale fuselage manufacturing facility and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities for engines, sensors, and weapons. These measures are expected to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing base and support its long-term self-reliance objectives. The Rafale-Marine is specifically designed for carrier operations and differs from the land-based version through features such as reinforced landing gear, an arrestor hook, and a launch-bar-equipped nose gear. These modifications enable safe operation from aircraft carriers and support missions including fleet air defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and attacks against shore-based targets. India will become the first country outside France to operate the naval version. The acquisition builds on India’s earlier purchase of 36 Rafale fighters for the Air Force under the 2016 agreement. Operating common aircraft variants across the Navy and Air Force is expected to simplify training, logistics, and maintenance while improving joint operational capabilities. Another major example of industrial cooperation is Project-75, under which six Kalvari-class Scorpene submarines were constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai in partnership with France’s Naval Group. The vessels are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer. The programme has contributed significantly to India’s submarine-building expertise and domestic naval manufacturing capabilities. Regular exercises also remain central to bilateral military cooperation. The naval exercise Varuna, which traces its origins to bilateral naval interactions beginning in 1993, has developed into one of India’s most advanced maritime exercises with a partner nation. It involves warships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, carrier battle groups, and fighter aircraft to improve interoperability and operational readiness. Air force cooperation is strengthened through Exercise Garuda, involving fighter aircraft, transport platforms, and Airborne Warning and Control Systems in complex operational scenarios. Exercise Shakti enables the two armies to exchange expertise in counter-terrorism, combat tactics, and battlefield procedures across different terrain. Maritime cooperation has gained further importance through the countries’ shared support for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both nations cooperate on Maritime Domain Awareness through information sharing and engagement with the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region. They also participate in multinational activities such as the French-led La Pérouse exercise, alongside port visits, training exchanges, and operational engagements. Their cooperation addresses common maritime challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism, while supporting the security of sea lanes and regional stability. Space cooperation is another important area, with the Indian Space Research Organisation and France’s CNES working together on Earth observation, navigation, launch support, and Space Situational Awareness. A key joint initiative is the TRISHNA mission, or Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment, which is designed to provide advanced thermal imagery for environmental monitoring, water management, and climate studies. The satellite is being prepared for launch in 2027. The two countries are also collaborating on monitoring orbital debris and improving the safety of space operations, alongside research and support for satellite infrastructure and scientific missions. Defence research cooperation is conducted through structured working groups involving India’s DRDO and France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement. Their areas of interest include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced propulsion, and emerging strategic technologies, with an emphasis on co-development and co-production. These efforts support India’s domestic defence production ambitions and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. High-level engagement, including the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, continues to guide cooperation across military, industrial, and technological areas. The expanding partnership was highlighted on 29 October 2026, when a Rafale Marine fighter successfully completed its first landing and subsequent take-off from INS Vikrant. The trials are intended to demonstrate compatibility with the carrier’s Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery system and follow earlier shore-based testing at the Shore Based Test Facility at INS Hansa, Goa. The successful demonstration marks another step towards the aircraft’s future induction into Indian naval service and reflects the growing depth of India–France defence cooperation.
