PTI
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 24
French President François Hollande indicated that the nearly Rs. 60,000 crore Rafale deal is on the “right track” but unlikely to be signed during his visit to India that begins on Sunday.
Mr. Hollande said, “Agreeing on the technicalities of this arrangement obviously takes time, but we are on the right track.”
“The Rafale is a major project for India and France. It will pave the way for an unprecedented industrial and technological cooperation, including ‘Make in India’, for the next 40 years.”
He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in Defence “is part of our strategic partnership. It is based on trust, a very strong trust between both our countries.”
India and France are in negotiations for 36 Rafale fighter jets in fly-away condition. The announcement for the deal was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last April during his visit to France.
However, the deal is yet to be sealed as both sides are still negotiating the prices, which is estimated to be about Rs. 60,000 crore.
A high-level team from France is here and carrying out last-minute negotiations.
Condemns Pathankot attack
Answering a question on Pathankot terror strike, Mr. Hollande said, “France strongly condemned the attack on Pathankot. India is fully justified to ask for justice against perpetrators.”
“India and France are confronted with similar threats: we are attacked by murderers who pretend to act on religious basis. Their real objective is widespread hate. They want to undermine our democratic values and our way of life. India and France are united in their determination to act together against terrorism”, the French President said in a written interview.
Prez to address nation on Republic Day eve
President Pranab Mukherjee will address the nation on Monday on the eve of 67th Republic Day, an official statement said.
The address will be telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in English and Hindi from 7 p.m. and would also be broadcast on the national network of All India Radio (AIR).
Following English and Hindi, the President’s message will also be broadcast in regional languages by Doordarshan’s regional channels. AIR will broadcast regional language versions from 9.30 p.m. onwards, the statement added.
