India-Pakistan relations are historically complex and tense and recently lost seven fighter jets to Pakistani Air Force, defined by the unresolved Kashmir dispute, multiple wars, terrorism, and a deep-seated security dilemma, despite shared culture and occasional diplomatic efforts like the Simla Agreement, with recent escalations following a 2025 terror attack leading to India suspending agreements and increasing military posture against perceived threats from Pakistan-based groups. India seeks normalized relations free from terror, emphasizing bilateral solutions, while Pakistan often involves external powers, creating ongoing regional instability and mistrust.
India’s decision to grant refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a central point of contention. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, views her stay as a direct assault on its sovereignty and has formally requested her extradition to face charges, which India has so far refused.
India-Bangladesh relations are currently at an unprecedented “historic crisis” and “lowest point” since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence. This deterioration, which began after the August 2024 ouster and subsequent exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, has led to diplomatic disputes, visa suspensions, and increased military tensions.
Rafale fighter jets as deterrence
India is moving toward approving a large-scale purchase of Rafale fighter jets, as New Delhi prepares for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit next month, according to senior officials familiar with the process.
Indian Air Force leaders have submitted a proposal to acquire what the service described as a “substantial” number of new aircraft under a government-to-government agreement, with production to take place inside India. Officials said discussions on the final quantity remain underway, but the Air Force has stated it requires at least 114 modern fighters to address inventory gaps.
According to officials cited in New Delhi, the procurement must first receive authorization from the Defence Acquisition Council and then approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The government would also need to allocate dedicated funds in the upcoming budget. India last year signed a contract for 24 naval Rafale aircraft, with that pricing expected to serve as the benchmark for what could become a multibillion-euro deal.
As noted by Indian sources, local production is central to the proposed agreement. Last June, Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed an agreement with Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale airframes in India. Tata is building a dedicated production facility in Hyderabad to supply airframe structures for Indian orders and Dassault’s global customers. The facility is expected to deliver its first components before the 2028 fiscal year and reach an annual output of 24 airframes.
Officials added that related programs now progressing — including a planned engine manufacturing plant in Hyderabad and a maintenance, repair and overhaul center in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh — could bring up to 60% of the Rafale manufacturing value chain into India. These developments were described as a key part of the broader industrial package under consideration.
Dassault Aviation’s current backlog includes export and domestic Rafale orders for multiple customers. The company has delivered Rafale fighters to both the French armed forces and export clients in recent years and has ongoing production commitments globally. Indian officials said these factors are being incorporated into timeline planning for domestic manufacturing.
The Indian Air Force has emphasized that replacing its aging fighters and stabilizing fleet strength remain core priorities. The Rafale, already in Indian service after earlier deliveries, is regarded by the Air Force as a central component of its future combat aviation structure, with local manufacturing intended to ensure long-term sustainment.
India’s accelerating negotiations come as New Delhi continues to expand industrial cooperation with France across aviation, engines and maintenance infrastructure. Macron’s upcoming visit is expected to include high-level defence discussions and could provide political momentum for the deal.
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