In India, Emmanuel Macron is the guest of honor at a military parade in New Delhi

Tanks, fighter jets, rocket launchers, regiments in full uniform, cavalry on camels… Emmanuel Macron attended a colorful military parade in New Delhi on Friday as the industrial and defense partnership between France and India strengthened. Earlier, the Head of State first rode along the main avenue leading to the Gateway of India, the Arc de Triomphe in the center of New Delhi, in a carriage drawn by six horses and a guard of honor, displaying a grand spectacle in honor of the Constitution of India. A day that came into effect on January 26, 1950, two years after independence.

But in the background, France is eyeing new contracts with the world’s fifth-largest economy in defense or even nuclear reactors. The flight of the French Rafale during this parade is a sign.

Paris, like other Western powers, knows that India is seeking to reduce its dependence on Russia, which equips 60% of its army with Su-30 fighter jets in particular. The country has already purchased 36 French Rafale aircraft and is in talks to purchase 26 more.

Declaration of intent for satellite launches

It also wants to consolidate its defense industrial base through joint ventures with French groups ranging from Dassault to missile maker MBDA, synonymous with technology transfer. From aeronautics to driverless vehicles and cyber defence, a roadmap has been drawn up for co-production in India, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced. In addition, the two countries, which have been cooperating for 60 years in the space field, also signed a declaration of intent on satellite launches.

However, appearing alongside the Indian Prime Minister, President Macron also stands out as human rights organizations condemn the Indian regime’s authoritarian excesses and repression of religious minorities, especially Muslims. The visit also examined the case of French journalist Vanessa Duniac, who was threatened with deportation for articles deemed “malicious.” New Foreign Minister Stephane Sejournet was due to discuss the topic with his Indian counterpart.