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India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the nod to a mega defence modernisation package worth roughly ₹3.25 lakh crore (about $39 billion) that includes the procurement of 114 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jets from France one of the country’s largest defence acquisitions in years. The move comes just days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled official visit to New Delhi, signalling deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations. The clearance from the DAC chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paves the way for the proposed Rafale deal to now progress through commercial negotiations and final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security. Under the plan, an initial batch of jets will be delivered in fly-away condition, while the majority of the fleet approximately 90 of the 114 aircraft is expected to be assembled and manufactured in India with significant indigenous content, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. The proposal is part of a broader defence procurement programme that also includes additional platforms such as P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy, reflecting a comprehensive push to modernise capability across air and sea domains. India’s Air Force, which has faced a long-standing squadron shortfall, anticipates that the new Rafale jets will bolster its combat edge, including air-dominance, precision strike and reconnaissance missions. The timing of the DAC’s approval shortly before Macron’s visit scheduled around key diplomatic engagements highlights the strategic importance of Franco-Indian defence ties. In parallel, French defence manufacturer Safran has expressed preparedness to establish engine production and assembly lines in India, potentially deepening industrial cooperation and transfer of aerospace capabilities to Indian suppliers. Local production is expected to involve partnerships with Indian aerospace firms, including Tata Advanced Systems and other private sector players, providing a boost to India’s domestic defence industrial base and wider ecosystem. These collaborations fit within the government’s wider vision of expanding high-tech manufacturing and boosting employment in the aerospace and defence sectors. From a geostrategic perspective, the proposed Rafale acquisition enhances India’s deterrence and rapid response capabilities amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. By deepening defence partnerships with European allies such as France and coupling them with major acquisitions, India is strengthening its multi-vector security posture that spans air, sea and land domains. India’s Rafale deal underlines the growing strategic and industrial convergence between Europe and India extending beyond trade into defence collaboration, technology partnerships and advanced manufacturing ecosystems. As agreements unlock in-country production, aerospace supply chains and co-development opportunities, startups and scale-ups on both sides can tap into emerging innovation corridors in aerospace tech, defence electronics, avionics, digital simulation, cybersecurity and advanced materials.--Join SEINET — the digital partnership infrastructure for tech businesses and leaders in EU-UK and India.Start with a verified community, and unlock access to the exclusive Leaders Network for qualified founders and decision-makers. Build trusted partnerships and collaborate efficiently across markets <a href="https://www.startupeuropeindia.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 99, 235);">www.startupeuropeindia.net</a>

India Clears $39 Billion Defence Deal to Buy 114 Rafale Fighter Jets from France Ahead of Macron’s Visit

Wroclaw, Poland, November 2025 – CEng. Shreekant Patil, Founder, Sr. Consultant &amp; Startup India Mentor alongside President Ms. Krystyna Wróblewska and Mr. Vincent Peter of Poland-India Chamber, recently engaged in high-level discussions with representatives of Smart Cities Council, Poland, including Mr. Krzysztof Dąbrowski, Mr. Jakub Piątek, and Mr. Andrzej Lis. The meeting, conducted under the guidance of Mr. Corey Gray, Chair of the Smart Cities Council, featured more Indian delegates – Mr Rahul Pradhan, Mr. Amit Thakkar, Mrs. Asawari Deshmukh. The dialogues focused on accelerating technology transfer, promoting the smart city ecosystem, and unlocking funding avenues for startups and MSMEs in India. Key technological areas covered include drone manufacturing, artificial intelligence, agriculture innovation, and waste management—all critical to building smarter, sustainable urban environments. Smart Cities Council, Poland representatives expressed keen enthusiasm to extend assistance to Indian startups, MSMEs, and government agencies, emphasizing a collaborative approach for mutual growth and innovation. PICC and Shreekant Patil call upon Indian entrepreneurs seeking support to scale globally and contribute to India’s mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat to engage actively with the chamber.&nbsp;<a href="https://shreekantpatilmentor.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CEng. Shreekant Patil</a> is deeply associated with Startup India and various state government startup initiatives, working closely with prominent incubation centres like Wadhwani Foundation, IIT Bombay, and T-Hub across PAN India. He plays a pivotal role in nurturing startups seeking technology and funding to scale up their businesses. Additionally, Shreekant Patil is actively engaged with multiple chambers of commerce, industry associations, SME, MSMEs, and exporters who are continuously looking for cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance and expand their operations. His extensive network and expertise enable him to bridge startups and MSMEs with government schemes, funding agencies, and industry collaborations, thus supporting India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic growth.<a href="https://polandindiachamber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://indiats-prod.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/190/thumbnail/news/147/editor/thumbnail_Shreekant Patil India with Smart Cities Council Poland along with PICC_&lt;-&gt;1763045562814_PSGAzXGOmicFr2Vv.jpeg"></a><a href="https://polandindiachamber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Poland-India Chamber of Cooperation</a> (PICC) serves as a dynamic bridge promoting inclusive and strategic collaboration between Poland and India across sectors like trade, technology, education, culture, and sustainable development. Established in 2025 following the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Poland, PICC facilitates mutual growth and innovation by connecting governments, institutions, industries, and citizens to strengthen bilateral ties and foster future-ready partnerships.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Smart Cities Council</a> under leadership of Mr. Corey Gray, is a leading global platform dedicated to advancing partnerships, education, and innovation for smart city development. For India, the Council offers invaluable expertise and resources to accelerate the implementation of sustainable, technology-driven urban solutions. By facilitating collaboration among public sector, private enterprises, and academia, the Council can help Indian cities adopt cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics to improve infrastructure, governance, mobility, and waste management. This support aligns well with India’s Smart Cities Mission and can enhance policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and scalable best practices to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready urban environments. The Council’s focus on training, capital access, and thought leadership will empower India’s smart city projects to thrive sustainably and deliver long-term quality of life improvements. This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Indo-Polish ties across urban innovation, sustainable development, and technology advancement.MSMEs &amp; startups keen to scale globally can reach out to PICC and Shreekant for assistance in realizing Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat ambitions.

Shreekant Patil Drives India Poland Tech Collaboration, Startup Growth

India is rapidly solidifying its position as a formidable player in the global defense industry, propelled by strategic initiatives, robust policy reforms, and a steadfast commitment to self-reliance. This transformation is not only enhancing the nation’s military capabilities but also positioning India as a key contributor to international defense markets. Unprecedented Growth in Defense Exports India’s defense exports have reached record levels, totaling approximately ₹21,083 crore ($2.63 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks an impressive 32.5% year-on-year growth and a 31-fold increase over the past decade. The demand for Indian-made missile systems, advanced weaponry, and military aircraft continues to rise, reinforcing India’s reputation as a reliable arms exporter. With an expanding list of international buyers, India is increasingly becoming a preferred defense supplier. Massive Investment in Military Modernization New Delhi has set ambitious plans for transforming and modernizing its military. Over the next decade, India aims to invest approximately $200 billion in defense upgrades, focusing on advanced weapon systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence-driven warfare, and next-generation military technologies. This substantial financial commitment underscores India’s determination to enhance its strategic capabilities and achieve self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. Government Policies Driving Expansion The Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiatives have been instrumental in boosting domestic defense production. These policies encourage private sector participation, ease restrictions on foreign direct investment, and promote the development of indigenous technology. With a defense budget of ₹6.22 lakh crore for 2024-25, India is reinforcing its commitment to strengthening military infrastructure, modernizing armed forces, and expanding domestic production. Major Defense Collaborations and Deals India has secured significant partnerships with global defense manufacturers, leading to rapid advancements in aerospace, missile technology, and naval systems. A landmark development includes the establishment of a military aircraft manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, in collaboration with Airbus Spain. This facility will produce 40 C-295 transport aircraft, marking a major step toward indigenous aerospace production. Additionally, India is expected to finalize a $200 million deal with the Philippines for the supply of Akash missile systems this year. This follows a $230-million agreement with Armenia for the same missile system, further showcasing India’s rising influence in the global defense export market. Expanding Presence in Global Defense Markets India’s military technology and defense systems are gaining recognition worldwide, with several nations expressing interest in procuring Indian-made equipment. From missile systems to warships and aircraft, India is emerging as a strong competitor in global defense exports. The country is actively negotiating multiple high-value defense deals, reinforcing its position as a trusted and cost-effective alternative to traditional suppliers. Future Growth and Investment in Defense India’s defense industry is poised for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20% from 2024 to 2029. Increased government investment, rapid technological advancements, and rising foreign interest in Indian military technology are driving this growth. The sector is expected to play a crucial role in economic development, job creation, and national security enhancements. India’s rapid transformation into a global defense leader reflects its strategic vision and commitment to self-reliance. With massive investments, government-backed initiatives, and expanding international collaborations, the country is well-positioned to shape the future of the global defense industry. As India continues to innovate and strengthen its military-industrial base, it is on track to become a dominant force in global military affairs.-----Join SEINET - the exclusive network&nbsp;for leaders driving growth and partnerships in tech and science&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="http://www.startupeuropeindia.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">www.startupeuropeindia.net</a>

India’s Rise as a Global Defense Powerhouse: A New Era of Military Strength and Exports

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