Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad has lauded the Rafale fighter jets as a powerful symbol of the growing strategic relationship between India and France. Addressing a delegation of French officials and defence representatives during their visit to India, Prasad emphasized the depth of bilateral ties and the importance of defence cooperation in strengthening international partnerships.
Speaking at a formal event organized to mark ongoing defence collaboration, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “The Rafale fighter jets are not just a defence acquisition. They reflect the strong, trusted, and evolving partnership between India and France. This partnership is built on mutual respect, technological collaboration, and shared global values.”
He added that the successful procurement and deployment of Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force have significantly enhanced the country’s aerial combat capabilities. At the same time, it showcased India’s willingness to partner with technologically advanced and reliable allies in securing its national interests.
The Rafale deal, signed in 2016, involved the purchase of 36 multi-role fighter aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation. The agreement not only addressed India’s urgent air defence requirements but also laid the groundwork for deeper engagement between the two countries in areas such as joint manufacturing, technology sharing, and defence innovation.
During his interaction with the French delegation, Prasad expressed appreciation for France’s consistent support to India on various global platforms. He also pointed out that both nations share a commitment to democratic values, regional stability, and counterterrorism efforts. According to him, the defence collaboration is just one aspect of a much broader and promising relationship that includes education, space research, climate change, and digital transformation.
“The world is changing rapidly, and in such a scenario, it is vital for like-minded countries to build strong defence and strategic alliances. The India-France relationship stands as a model for such cooperation,” Prasad said.
He also highlighted that beyond technical specifications, the Rafale aircraft symbolizes trust—a trust that India has placed in French engineering and reliability, and a trust that France has placed in India as a dependable strategic partner.
The French delegation thanked Indian officials for their warm reception and reaffirmed their commitment to furthering cooperation in defence, research, and high-end manufacturing. They acknowledged India as a key partner in maintaining regional peace and promoting multilateralism.
Ravi Shankar Prasad concluded his remarks by noting that the Indo-French partnership, as symbolized by the Rafale, reflects a shared future based on peace, innovation, and mutual strength. He called for continued dialogue, joint exercises, and greater youth engagement in science and technology to deepen ties between the two nations.
The event marked yet another step in showcasing the strong and forward-looking relationship between India and France—two democracies united by shared goals and mutual respect.
