Former Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, has raised concerns over the portrayal of India’s Rafale fighter jets in Western media, particularly Anglo-Saxon outlets in the US and UK.
He argues that unverified claims suggesting that Pakistan shot down Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafales may have been driven by commercial interests.
Ashraf, who oversaw India’s Rafale acquisitions, believes that the narrative could be influenced by competition among global aviation companies, as India’s defence purchases significantly shape the market. India’s recent approval of a $7.4 billion deal to procure 26 additional Rafale jets strengthens its military presence.
India has neither confirmed nor denied Pakistan’s claims, only stating that all its fighter pilots are safe. Meanwhile, the Rafale remains a cornerstone of India’s defence strategy, competing against US and Swedish aircraft models in global military contracts.
