France and India became close friends, if needed..?

New Delhi. India and France have become good friends after the Rafale deal. French Defense Minister Florence Parle said on Friday that her country is ready to provide additional Rafale fighter jets to India if required. He added that the use of the same type of aircraft by strategic partners shows the real asset and strength of their relationship. Parle, who is on a visit to India, made this remark at the think-tank ahead of talks with her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on a wide range of issues.

The French Embassy had informed that despite the Kovid-19 epidemic, 33 Rafale fighter jets have been supplied to India on time. India had signed an intergovernmental agreement with France in September 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets for about Rs 59 thousand crore. In response to a question, Parle said, I am happy that the Indian Air Force is satisfied with the Rafale aircraft and we are proud that despite the Kovid-19 epidemic, we have delivered 36 aircraft under the agreement on time… this is an achievement.

“Using the same type of aircraft is a real asset and strength,” he said. I am sure there is scope for new possibilities. If India’s additional requirement is expressed, we are ready to respond. The French Defense Minister, while outlining plans to induct a second aircraft carrier into the Indian Navy’s fleet, indicated that France is interested in supplying ship-based fighter jets. He said, we know that the aircraft carrier will be in service soon… planes will be needed for that. If India decides, we are ready to give some other Rafale (version).

Significantly, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier Vikrant is planned to be inducted into the Indian Navy in August next year. The first consignment of Rafale aircraft manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation was supplied to India on July 29 last year. It is believed that France is expressing its willingness to negotiate with India for the purchase of 36 more Rafale aircraft.