Rafale makes India stronger, increases strategic ties: French President Macron

In an exclusive interaction with India Today at the AI Summit in Bharat Mandapam, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to India's defence and industrial growth. Addressing criticisms of the Rafale deal, Macron stated, 'I don't see how people can criticise, because it makes your country stronger, it increases strategic relations between us, and it creates more jobs here.' He pledged to increase the use of Indian components in Rafale jets, mirroring the model of the Tata Airbus deal. Macron also addressed the global debate on free speech, clarifying his stance against 'algorithmic manipulations' and political agendas. He argued that true free speech requires transparency and mutual respect, warning that when platforms allow 'hatred speech' and 'racist speech' to spread through biased algorithms, it becomes a 'jungle' rather than a democratic space. The President emphasized a unique strategic partnership between India and France focused on joint production and research.