India, France elevate defence ties in push for strategic autonomy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have upgraded their countries’ defence ties, a move analysts say signals New Delhi’s drive to curb dependence on foreign arms imports while cementing a closer security relationship with Paris in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.The two leaders renewed a 10-year defence cooperation agreement and elevated ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” on Tuesday, unveiling more than 20 areas of expanded cooperation during Macron’s visit to Delhi.The sweeping set of agreements ranges from missile production and artificial intelligence to trade and taxation, as both sides seek to deepen strategic and economic links amid geopolitical turbulence.Srinivasan Balakrishnan, director of strategic engagement and partnerships at Delhi-based think tank Indic Researchers Forum, said the discussions showed “a deliberate shift from transactional defence buying” by India.Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets fly during the country’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. Photo: AFPThe new partnership comes five days after India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved a US$40 billion deal for defence equipment, including 114 multi-role fighter aircraft in a contest where France’s Dassault Aviation’s Rafale is widely expected to prevail.