DASSAULT AVIATION In both capitals, however, it is emphasized that this visit will be essentially a ceremonial one, with no major diplomatic advances beyond the continuation of commercial negotiations for the purchase of fighter aircraft and submarines by India.
France is India's second-largest arms supplier, and for decades has been one of its oldest and closest partners in Europe. France was the only Western country not to impose sanctions on India following its nuclear tests in 1998.
The French President's visit follows that of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was guest of honor at the July 14th ceremonies in Paris last summer. The two leaders have already met four times since May 2023.
Prior to Narendra Modi's visit to Paris in July, the Indian government had given the green light in principle to the purchase of 26 Rafales from Dassault Aviation and the joint production of three Scorpene-class submarines. These contracts have yet to be finalized, and no new defense contracts are expected during Emmanuel Macron's visit to New Delhi, according to the Elysée Palace.
India has relied on French fighter jets since acquiring Mirage fighters in the 1980s. These aircraft still form two flotillas within the Indian Air Force.
France is also keen to strengthen its cooperation with India in the space and nuclear fields.
During his 40-hour visit, Emmanuel Macron plans to meet business leaders from the pharmaceutical, automotive, aerospace, energy and hydrogen sectors, officials in Paris and New Delhi said.
India had initially hoped to have US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as guests of honor. These four countries form the Quad Group, whose summit India had hoped to organize this week.
(Written by Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi and Michel Rose in Paris, Bertrand Boucey, edited by Blandine Hénault)
