Rafale jet deal may not be signed during Hollande visit

There has been speculation whether the final deal, announced by PM Modi during his visit to France last year, for India to buy 36 Rafale jets would be inked during Hollande’s State visit. 

Asked if he hoped to see the final deal inked during his current visit, Hollande told PTI in an interview that “we are on the right track” but agreeing on the technicalities of this arrangement obviously takes time. He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in defence “is part of our strategic partnership.” 

Answering a question on the Pathankot terror strike and that most of the terror attacks in India emanate from Pakistan, Hollande said, “France strongly condemned the attack on Pathankot. India is fully justified to ask for justice against perpetrators.” 

While Hollande will the official guest at the Republic Day function in New Delhi this year, a French contingent will march along Indian forces on Rajpath. “This is historic”, the French President said.