'France supports India's candidacy for permanent UNSC seat': French minister at Rafale ceremony

French defence minister Florence Parly on Thursday reiterated her country's support to the candidature of India for a permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking at the induction ceremony of the first batch of five Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala airbase, Parly said it is a stellar achievement for India and France and a new chapter is being written in the bilateral defence ties.

"France supports India's candidacy for (permanent seat) in the UNSC," she said.

This is French defence minister Parly’s third official visit to India since 2017 and one of her very first official trips since the outbreak of the COVID epidemic.

Parly highlighted India's election as a non-permanent member in the UNSC for a two-year term beginning in January 2021, saying it "represents an opportunity to promote international peace and security together."

France is among the five permanent members in the UNSC apart from China, the UK, the US and Russia. Parly described the Rafale as a "powerful military aircraft" and said they have successfully performed in French operations.

"Rafale has taken a leading role in Mali, helping destroy armed terror groups and support friendly troops in contact. As part of international military intervention against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, they operate in difficult conditions far from their bases, taking advantage of their huge operational range of striking distant targets with surgical precision," she said.

"We are proud to share our knowhow with you, our friendship is rock solid and time-tested. I am happy that our strategic partnership is based on mutual understanding, common interests and deep trust," the French Minister remarked.

She underlined that France is fully committed to the 'Make in India' initiative and further integration of Indian manufacturers into the global supply chains.

"The Make in India has been a reality for the French industry for several years particularly for defence equipment such as submarines. Many French companies and design offices are now established in India and I hope that others will offer their support and services," she said.

The French defence minister said it is a great pride to see the first five Rafale jets inducted in time in the Indian Air Force despite the COVID-19 crisis.

"We are particularly attentive to the respect of the delivery deadline. We will ensure this as France is determined to support the Indian Air Force to touch the sky with glory with the remaining 31 Rafale jets as soon as possible," she stated.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who was present on the occasion, presented a memento to the French defence minister.

Water cannon salute was given to the five Rafale aircraft at the Ambala airbase during the induction ceremony. Both Singh and Parly also witnessed the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the venue.

Five Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in India from France on July 29. The French-origin fighter aircraft are part of the 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Air Force.

The five Rafales include three single-seaters and two twin-seaters. The Rafales, armed with the air-to-air meteor, air to ground SCALP and hammer missiles, are expected to give an edge to the Indian Air Force over its traditional adversaries China and Pakistan in the South Asian skies due to its long-range hit capabilities.

(With ANI inputs)