It’s become almost a predictable pattern in India’s defence procurement landscape. Big-ticket deals often get announced with fanfare, only to hit snags, delays, or political headwinds. Yet, the partnership with France seems to operate on a different track. From the successful induction and local production of Scorpene-class submarines (known as the Kalvari-class in India) to the smooth delivery of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Air Force, the Franco-Indian defence relationship has consistently yielded positive and timely results.

The recent agreement signed on Monday for the delivery of 26 naval variant Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers is just the latest example of why this partnership clicks. So, what’s the secret sauce?

Several factors seem to be at play. Firstly, there’s a high degree of political........

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