On April 9, 2025, India approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its naval capabilities amid growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The deal, estimated at ₹630 billion (approx. $7 billion), includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets from Dassault Aviation.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agreement is expected to be signed soon, with France’s defence minister likely to visit India beforehand. This move aligns with India’s goals to modernize its military, reduce dependence on Soviet-origin systems, and bolster defence ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier.
