Rajnath Singh is also expected to undertake a sortie in the Rafale aircraft. (file photo)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on a three-day visit to France, received the first Rafale aircraft from France. The first of the 36 long-awaited Rafale fighter jets on behalf of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was received by Mr Singh today in Merignac. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected to be preceded by Shastra Puja - the traditional worship of weapons during Dussehra. Calling it a "historic day", Rajnath Singh said this shows the deepening ties between the two countries."
Mr Singh also undertook a sortie in the aircraft and held discussions with the country's top leadership during his time in the European country. Shortly after landing in Paris, the Defence Minister tweeted that the visit aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.
Mr Singh held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace, the official base of the French President and welcomed France as an "important strategic partner" of India.
"We have a multi-dimensional relationship with France and the ties are progressing on all fronts. The talks today are part of a comprehensive defence dialogue between the two countries," said defence secretary Ajay Kumar, who is part of the ministerial delegation to France.
India had signed an agreement with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of Rs. 59,000 crore in September 2016. The first batch of four jets will come next May.
Here are the updates on Rajnath Singh's visit to France:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands after taking a sortie in the Rafale jet 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs 'Shastra Puja', on the Rafale combat jet officially handed over to India.
Rafale jet carrying Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes off for a sortie. It is being flown by Philippe Duchateau, head test pilot of Dassault Aviation.
Watch: Rajnath Singh flies sortie on Rafale
Rajnath Singh flies sortie on Rafale:
Rajnath Singh goes on a sortie on Rafale jet.
The first Rafale aircraft has been handed over to India.
Rajnath Singh speaks at Rafale handover:- It is a historic day and shows deepening ties between India and France.
- I want to pay my respects to former president Jacques Chirac who with Atal Bihari Vajpayee helped deepen strategic ties between the countries. May his soul rest in peace.
- Dussehra marked as victory of good over evil, today is also Air Force Day in India. Rafale project management team in France since August 2017.
- Rafale jets being delivered on time. Rafale will add to the strength of IAF. Our focus is to enhance the capability of IAF. We are sure that all timelines would be adhered to, be it jets or weapon systems.
- I thank France for cooperation, an important partner for India. Hope that the cooperation will grow.
- I will fly the Rafale jet shortly.
- A new milestone in strategic partnership, a new high in defence cooperation.
- Rafale will lends us more strength, would enhance our air capability.
- Rafale is a French word which means gust of wind.
Rajnath Singh has reached Merignac. He is now visiting the production unit of Dassault Aviation, tweeted RMO.
Rajnath Singh at Dassault hangar, will receive India's first Rafale.
Rajnath Singh has reached Bordeaux, to carry out shastra puja.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and President of France Emmanuel Macron held a meeting in Paris today.
The handover is happening at a time when India is celebrating Dussehra, a festival signifying the victory of good over evil, as well as the 87th Indian Air Force Day.
Rajnath Singh will officially accept the first Rafale aircraft from the French government at the Merignac air base near Bordeaux in the presence of top government officials on Tuesday.