India has approved the purchase of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation for its navy, in a $7 billion deal aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
The order includes 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters. The agreement, cleared by India’s top security committee chaired by PM Modi, is expected to be signed soon.
This move strengthens India-France defence ties and supports India’s push to modernise its military and reduce reliance on Soviet-era equipment.
