India, France to deepen defence cooperation across air power, AI and space

India and France are poised to broaden their defence partnership across air power, artificial intelligence, space and defence technology, according to Lt Gen Dominique Tardif, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force.

Speaking on the direction of bilateral ties, Tardif described India's push for self-reliance in defence as "completely normal", signalling Paris's comfort with New Delhi's indigenisation agenda even as the two countries look to expand collaboration.

The cooperation is expected to extend to the Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise, a multilateral air drill that India hosts and in which France has been a participant. The exercise has emerged as a key platform for the two air forces to operate together and share operational experience.

Tardif's remarks point to a relationship that is widening beyond traditional platform purchases into newer domains such as AI and space, alongside defence technology. The two sides have in recent years deepened engagement on co-development and co-production, with the air domain remaining a central pillar.

India's emphasis on domestic manufacturing has not come in the way of its partnerships, with the French side viewing indigenisation as a natural course for a major military power. The coming period is expected to see the two countries build on existing air exercises and technology workstreams.