Rafale fighter jets to be inducted within two years : Defence Minister

India has decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition from France following an agreement between Modi and  French President Francois Hollande in Paris Friday.

"India has finally broken the ice over the deal which has been pending for the last 17 years. The deal is a great decision taken on the terms and conditions that are better," Parrikar said.

A joint statement of Modi and Hollande  said the two leaders agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement for supply of the aircraft on terms that would be "better" than that conveyed as part of a separate process underway.

"Keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in India, I have asked President to provide 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible after agreements between both countries. We both have decided that these will be provided to India in modified terms and conditions," Modi announced at a joint news conference with Hollande after their summit talks at Elysee Palace.