New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that India's push to co-produce Rafale fighter jets is a "legitimate" ambition that aligns with the "direction of history."

Speaking to the French Media contingent at the sidelines of the AI-India Impact Summit, President Macron emphasized that the world in 2040 and 2050 will have an even greater need for robust defense capabilities, particularly as regional powers like China advance their own combat aviation. He noted that India, once primarily a customer, is now seeking a deeper industrial partnership, reported French Media BFM TV.

"The Indians, who are currently customers, want to co-produce with us; we have seen the Rafale here, but they want to co-produce combat airc...