Varanasi, May 1 -- India's recent agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for its naval fleet will significantly bolster its defence capabilities and exert strategic pressure on Pakistan, particularly in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, according to defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava.

The deal, finalised amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, is seen as a critical step to enhance India's maritime and air dominance.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Srivastava emphasised the timing of the deal, noting its psychological and strategic impact on Pakistan, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.

"During such a time, when there is a lot of tension going on between India and Pakistan ...