No Rift in Indo-French Ties
A social media post has gone viral on the internet following Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to France. The post suggests that relations between India and France have soured, as French defense firms have reportedly scaled down their participation in Aero India 2025.
Queen Bangla shared, ‘French defense firms scaled down their participation at Aero India 2025, raising concerns over India-France defense ties, reports.’
We began our fact-checking process by reviewing relevant media reports on the topic. Our search led us to a report by IDRW dated January 29, 2025, which stated,“As the countdown to Aero India 2025 begins, with the event scheduled to take place from February 10 to 14 at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, France has once again reaffirmed its position as the premier exhibitor at Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition. With a strong presence, France’s participation highlights its commitment to fostering aerospace innovation and global collaboration.”
The report further noted, “This year, France has outshined other nations by securing the top spot with an impressive lineup of 35 exhibitors. Key players in the French aerospace sector, such as Dassault Aviation, Safran, and Thales, have confirmed their participation. These companies are known for their cutting-edge technologies and solutions in aviation, defense, and space.”
Additionally, The Times of India report published on February 6, 2025, confirmed that 111 foreign exhibitors have registered for Aero India 2025, representing over 15 countries, including major defense manufacturers from France (Dassault, Safran, Thales), the US (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX), Germany, Israel, and the UK (Eaton). This underscores the strong bilateral defense cooperation between India and these nations.
Furthermore, Dassault, a leading French defense company, has been a key supplier to India, with the Indian Air Force currently operating 36 Rafale jets and 47 Mirage 2000s in its inventory.
Moreover, The Times of India report from February 11, 2025, further highlighted that India and France are in the process of finalizing defense deals worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore, aimed at strengthening India’s naval and aerial capabilities. The agreements include:
• A ₹63,000 crore deal for 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainer jets for the Indian Navy, which is currently under review by the Cabinet Committee for Security (CCS).
• A ₹33,500 crore deal for three additional diesel-electric Scorpene-class submarines, which will be built at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the French company Naval Group.
• Ongoing discussions on a potential collaboration between Safran and DRDO to co-develop a 110-kilonewton jet engine for India’s fifth-generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project.
Given these extensive collaborations, the claim that Indo-French relations have soured is entirely false. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s relationship with France is at its strongest in history, marked by deep strategic, defense, and technological cooperation.
| Claim | Indo-French relations have deteriorated, with French defence firms scaling down their participation in Aero India 2025. |
| Claimed | Social media users |
| Fact Check | France remains the top exhibitor at Aero India 2025 with 35 companies, and India is finalizing defense deals worth ₹1 lakh crore with France. |
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