Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds “comprehensive discussion” with French President Macron

The Defence Minister wrote on his Twitter account“Had an excellent meeting with the President of France Mr. EmmanuelMacron at Elysee Palace in Paris today.

We had a comprehensive discussion covering a wide range of issues.”

The Defence Minister will perform Shastra Pooja, after receiving the first of the 36 fighter jets acquired by Indian Air Force, on the occasion of Dussehra in Bordeaux and then take a sortie in the two-seater trainee version of the aircraft, Defence Ministry officials said.

After his arrival in Paris, Singh had tweeted: "Delighted to be in France. This great nation is India's important strategic partner and our special relationship goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. My visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.”

French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly will also attend the induction ceremony of Rafale jets in IAF, however, the first batch of four aircrafts  will be delivered not before May 2020 after the training of pilots and personnel is completed.

The remaining fighter jets will arrive only by Sep 2022, for which the IAF is undergoing preparations.

In 2016, India closed a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore with Dassault Aviation for 36 fighter jets, which are expected to increase India’s air combat capabilities and give an edge over Pakistan and China.