India signs contracts for Rafale-M, submarines and domestic production

In mid-July - on the French bank holidays - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed three decision proposals from the Indian Defence Acquisition Council: firstly, the purchase and equipping of 26 Dassault Rafale-M carrier-capable combat aircraft for the nationally built Vikrant carrier; secondly, the purchase, licensed construction and equipping of three further French Scorpène conventional submarines; and thirdly, the order to manufacture all the innards and integrable systems for these weapons platforms nationally in India. A skilful move, even before there had been any talk of German submarines - at least in India. And yes, the price, which is to be based on the market value of similar products from other nations, will be negotiated later. The process behind this has dragged on for many years and has not always been transparent, but has often been associated with allegations of corruption. The additional submarines are merely an extension of the ongoing production of the six Kalvari class boats in India at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai, which is now also six years behind schedule. Although the Rafale-Ms are replacing the ageing MiG-29Ks, they can only be handled under difficult conditions on board the carrier, as they do not quite fit the dimensions of the lifts and parking spaces on board. However, the argument that the air force already has 36 land-based versions is a valid one. Incidentally, some of these Indian Rafales flew in formation over the Champs Elysées during the parade on 14 July. France has now replaced Russia as the preferred defence partner. Will this also change India's geostrategic positioning?