Criticism of Rafale deal is beyond comprehension, Indian components will be used in it: Macron!

French President Emmanuel Macron termed the criticism of the Rafale deal as incomprehensible and claimed that India will definitely benefit from it. Macron, who is participating in the India-AI Impact Summit, while answering the questions of IANS, enumerated the benefits of this deal.

Macron described India-France relations as very strong and important. She said, “Our partnership is not just strategic, but going one step further I would say that this is a special global strategic partnership.”

French President Emmanuel Macron took part in the inauguration ceremony held at the main hall of Bharat Mandapam on Thursday. The Secretary General of the United Nations was also with him. After this he visited India AI Impact Expo. Talking exclusively to IANS, he described mutual cooperation as important for both the countries.

“Clearly, cooperation with India is improving, and we are entering a new phase of cooperation,” he said.

Macron further said, “We are continuously increasing indigenous components. This is part of the ongoing negotiations between the company and your government.”

When Macron was asked a question about Rafale, he said, “I don’t know why people criticize it. This will strengthen your country, our strategic relations will deepen, and it will create employment in India.”

Praising India-France defense cooperation, Macron said, “We are extremely committed to ensuring maximum Made in India, i.e. use of Indian components and maximum manufacturing of critical equipment in India. The same logic was behind the Tata-Airbus deal, so we will do the same in the case of Rafale. You can trust us.”

Macron also said that he has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit France in June. “PM Modi, as BRICS chair, will be the special guest of the G7,” Macron told IANS.

The French President said, “We have a special global strategic partnership, which is wonderful for both India and France. We want to expand the Rafale deal. India has approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft a few days ago. We are ready to co-produce it.”

“So Rafale is absolutely necessary. I hope we will do the same on submarines,” he said.

Recently, the final assembly line of H-125 helicopter was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron in Vemagal, Karnataka. The project, launched in partnership with Tata and Airbus, will create thousands of jobs while promoting ‘Make in India’.