A recent blog published by the international news platform The National Interest has claimed that India and France are facing growing tensions over the Rafale fighter jet deal.
Titled “India and France Are at Each Other’s Throats Over the Dassault Rafale Fighter”, the piece outlines a series of disagreements that have allegedly strained the once-strong defense relationship between the two countries.
According to the blog, the friction centers around cost overruns, unmet expectations on technology transfer, and dissatisfaction with offset obligations. It notes that India is reportedly unhappy with the degree of technological sharing promised under the multi-billion euro deal signed in 2016, under which New Delhi purchased 36 Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.
Furthermore, the article alleges that Indian officials have raised concerns about delays and transparency in the delivery and pricing structure of the aircraft, creating tension with their French counterparts.
France, on the other hand, is said to be frustrated by India’s internal political controversies surrounding the deal, which have repeatedly resurfaced in Indian media and parliamentary debates.
The blog also suggests that while the delivery of aircraft has been largely completed, the disagreements now pose a risk to any long-term defense collaboration, joint ventures, or upgrades. The National Interest characterises the current mood as tense and diplomatically sensitive.
The blog emphasised that these issues, while not entirely new, appear to have intensified in recent months, potentially jeopardizing future defence cooperation.
As India struggles to contain the political and diplomatic fallout, Pakistan continues to focus on responsible defense modernization, prioritizing transparency, regional stability, and homegrown capability over imported prestige.
