Webdesk: India and France’s 610 billion rupees, which is around $7.3 billion, fighter jet engine deal has not only taken their defence ties to a new level but also raised serious questions about South Asia’s future security.
India’s Ministry of Defence has recommended a joint project with France to develop next-generation fighter jet engines. The aim is to build a 120 kilonewton thrust engine for future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
French company Safran has offered full technology transfer, giving it an edge over British firm Rolls-Royce.
“Self-reliance” or strategic deception?
According to Azad Research Desk, this is not just about defence technology. It is part of India’s rapid military buildup, one that could destabilise the region. If these French and American partnerships succeed, India could, for the first time, produce fully indigenous modern fighter jets.
The point is that the Indian state, which had an internal Hindu nationalist discourse and a belligerent foreign policy already, can begin operationalising its increasing military power as a political instrument.
This is no longer a mere issue of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), but a potentially lethal indication of an ideological government that may be tempted to use its military to seek political and regional hegemony.
Serious questions for regional security
At a time when South Asia is already tense, India’s recent moves could trigger a new arms race. Whether it’s the delivery of GE-F404 engines from the US, talks about jointly making F414 engines for the LCA Mk-1A and Mk-2, or this massive new deal with France, these developments point toward a “two-front strategy,” where India uses Western technology to boost its own defence production.
But a key question remains: Is India really aiming for self-reliance in defence, or is a nationalist government using this power to assert control?
Looking at past experiences and the behaviour of the BJP-RSS, the answer may not be very encouraging.
India’s Kaveri engine program, which has been under development for decades, has failed to produce the required thrust for fighter jets. It is now being adapted for use in UCAVs (unmanned combat air vehicles) and naval platforms.
This failure pushed India to seek foreign partners. But the strength gained through these partnerships, if guided by an extremist political agenda, could pose a serious risk to the entire region.
Azad Research Desk believes this issue should not be seen just through a technical or commercial lens. It has political, military, and strategic consequences. India’s new defence deals are not only about preparation, they signal a dangerous shift in the balance of power.
When hyper-nationalism and high technology combine, it can pave the way for authoritarianism.
This is the time for South Asian countries, especially Pakistan, to seriously analyse these developments. The global community must also stop viewing India’s growing military capacity as just a “market” and start seeing it as a potential threat.
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