India to buy 26 fighter jets and three submarines from France. The agreement in principle was concluded in connection with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris.
The deal was made public by India’s Ministry of Defense, with the caveat that price and other terms are still subject to negotiations with the French government.
These include Rafale-type aircraft, intended for the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, and three more Scorpene submarines, in addition to the six previously bought by India from France.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit on Thursday and was received by French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne at Orly airport. President Emmanuel Macron has invited Modi as the guest of honor for the French National Day celebrations on Friday.
Despite differing opinions on the war in Ukraine and the view of human rights in India, leaders in the West are keen to nurture relations with the world’s now most populous nation, as a counterweight to China in Asia.
India is in the process of upgrading its arsenal and is one of the largest customers of the French munitions industry.