Rafale deal: Negotiating team constituted for procurement of 36 fighter jets, says Manohar Parrikar

As per the India-France Joint Statement issued by the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France, the Indian government conveyed that in view of the critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat

Aircraft for Indian Air Force (IAF), India would like to acquire 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition.

Both the sides also agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for supply of the aircraft.

This development was stated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

A Negotiating Team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement and the meetings of the Indian negotiations team with the French side are underway.

Ministry of Law and Justice have made certain observations and the same will be adequately taken into account while finalizing the IGA, which is still under negotiations.

India and France in January signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of Rafale.

According to reports, 36 Rafales will cost a little over Rs 65,000 crore and effort is on to bring down the price to les s than Euros Rs 59,000 crore.