New Delhi: The talks for negotiating the cost of 36 Rafale fighter jets India is buying from France is going on at a "hectic" pace and are likely to be wrapped up in another one month, top defence sources said.
"The talks have been very hectic. There are a lot of fine prints that both sides look into. The talks will most likely take one more month," defence sources told PTI.
"The talks are taking place since morning to evening. The French side is here thrice every month and every effort is to wrap up the talks fast," they said.
The Defence Acquisition Council had on September 1 given the go ahead for further negotiations for purchase of 36 jets that had got stalled due to differences over a variety of issues.
India's insistence on 50 per cent off-set clause, tweaking of weaponry technology and plans to set up two bases were among the sticking points that had cropped up during the talks that began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision to acquire the fighter jets during his trip to France in April.
If things proceed smoothly, a government-to-government agreement between India and France could be signed soon, paving the way for the final contract for the purchase of the aircraft.
PM Modi's decision to buy the jets, citing operational requirements of the IAF, had given a boost to the modernisation plans of the air force as the original deal for 126 Rafale jets through a tendering process had got stuck for Years.
"The talks have been very hectic. There are a lot of fine prints that both sides look into. The talks will most likely take one more month," defence sources told PTI.
"The talks are taking place since morning to evening. The French side is here thrice every month and every effort is to wrap up the talks fast," they said.
India's insistence on 50 per cent off-set clause, tweaking of weaponry technology and plans to set up two bases were among the sticking points that had cropped up during the talks that began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision to acquire the fighter jets during his trip to France in April.
Advertisement
PM Modi's decision to buy the jets, citing operational requirements of the IAF, had given a boost to the modernisation plans of the air force as the original deal for 126 Rafale jets through a tendering process had got stuck for Years.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"To Cover Up Delays...": Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases "I Apologise At Shivaji's Feet": PM Modi In Maharashtra On Statue Collapse PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone Of One Of India's Largest Deep Water Ports Vadhvan US Millionaire, Who Died By Suicide, Owed $34 Million With $8,000 In Bank Manipur Chief Minister Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over "Racist" Jab At Himanta Sarma UK's Seat Should Go To India: Ex-Diplomat On UN Security Council Reforms 8 Killed After Bus Carrying 47 Overturns In US State Of Mississippi: Report Trump "Disrespected Sacred Ground' At US Military Cemetery: Kamala Harris Top 10 US Universities Based On Forbes Rankings 2024 Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.