India-France jet engine deal: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, August 22, 2025, announced a big step for India’s future in fighter aircraft. He said India will now work with French company Safran to make advanced jet engines in the country. The event happened in Delhi where the Defence Minister explained that this partnership will help India close a huge gap in defence aviation. According to The Hindu he added that the project will speed up the work of building India’s own fifth-generation fighter aircraft and cut down the need to depend on foreign suppliers.
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While speaking at the gathering, he shared his vision in clear words, “Our vision of self-reliance in defence is not just about reducing imports. It is about creating an ecosystem where Indian industry, public and private, develops world-class capability, where we not only meet domestic requirements but also emerge as a global supplier of high-quality defence products.”
Tejas Orders to boost Indian defence
The Defence Minister also shared that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has now received new orders worth ₹66,000 cror for 97 Tejas fighter aircrafts. This is in addition to an earlier order for 83 aircraft worth ₹48,000 crore.
He spoke with pride about the aircraft and said, “Our Tejas aircraft is set to become a brilliant example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. It’s not that we haven’t faced problems in this endeavour, but we have decided that we will find a solution to every problem and surely establish the full capability to build fighter aircraft in India.”
RajnathSingh also invited global defence companies to invest in India and work together. He reminded about Airbus and Tata Aerospace already working on C295 transport aircraft in India. He said, “Today there is an opportunity for all the big defence companies of the world to invest in India and co-produce defence equipment here. Our Make in India is not limited to India only. When you Make in India, you will make for the world.”
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Message to Pakistan’s Army Chief
The Defence Minister also spoke about a recent statement by Pakistan’s Army Chief who compared India’s economy to a sports car and Pakistan’s to a dump truck. Rajnath Singh did not take it lightly and said this showed the truth.
He explained, “If two countries got independence together, and one built an economy like a sports car with hard work, right policies and vision, while the other remains stuck in failure, it is their own doing. This is not a joke, it is a confession.”
He warned that India will continue to stay strong and keep its defence power high. He said clearly, “We must ensure that along with India’s prosperity, our fighting spirit for our defence capability and national honour remains equally strong. Operation Sindoor has already shown our resolve. We will not allow any illusion about India’s strength to take root in Pakistan’s mind.”
