French President Macron wrote on the 16th: "Heading to India! From Mumbai to New Delhi, in three days, we will further deepen our strategic partnership. Along with me are business leaders and participants from the fields of economy, industry, culture, and digital who have injected real and practical vitality into the relationship between India and France. We will work hand in hand to further deepen cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear Prime Minister Modi."
President Macron's visit to India aims to strengthen the close partnership between the two countries and is expected to result in a major contract for 114 Rafale fighter jets. According to AFP, President Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived at Mumbai, the financial center of India, at midnight. Subsequently, he will head to New Delhi on Wednesday to attend an AI summit.
Comments: India has already finalized the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets worth over a hundred billion, which is both a "welcome gift" for France and an attempt to reduce reliance on Russian weapons by using European equipment; France, on the other hand, uses military exports to deepen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, while also binding to emerging areas such as AI and critical minerals, enhancing its voice in the Indian Ocean. The two countries refer to each other as "friends," but essentially it is a pragmatic transaction of defense for market and technology for influence, reflecting the clear trend of European powers accelerating their deployment in the Indo-Pacific region and seeking strategic autonomy.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857351226961929/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.