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:
#WATCH Mérignac(France): #Rafale jet carrying Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes off for a sortie. It is being flown by Philippe Duchateau, head test pilot of Dassualt Aviation. pic.twitter.com/i99hZmB7aF
- ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019
- 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.
France: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands in Mérignac. Singh will receive the first Rafale combat aircraft later today https://t.co/mrUfVh6t8a
- ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2019
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh calling on the President of France, Mr. @EmmanuelMacron in Paris. pic.twitter.com/GU24SEqFS6
- रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) October 8, 2019
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has reached the Elysée Palace to call on the President of France @EmmanuelMacron.
- रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) October 8, 2019
He is meeting the Minister for the Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly and the Defence Advisor to the French President, Admiral Bernard Rogel. pic.twitter.com/pBK4oIA74l
Greetings to all @IAF_MCC personnel and their families on the 87th IAF Day. The IAF is the shining example of exemplary courage, fortitude, determination and impeccable service to our nation.
- Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019
These men and women in Blue have the ability to touch the sky with grit and glory.
