Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
Contract negotiations between India and France for Rs 50,000 crore Rafale Marine jet deal are likely to begin on May 30 as the high-level French team arrives in the country, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
Official talks on the fighter jet agreement for the Indian Navy, which would see the aircraft operated from both of the force’s aircraft carriers, would take place between the French team and Indian Defence Ministry counterparts, defence industry officials told ANI.
According to the officials, the French team will consist of representatives from their industry and ministry of defence, which includes original equipment makers Thales and Dassault Aviation. According to the officials, the French team will consist of representatives from their industry and ministry of defence, which includes original equipment makers Thales and Dassault Aviation.
The Indian side would comprise personnel from both the Indian Navy and the Defence Acquisition Wing.
Government sources told ANI that they would try to complete negotiations with France and sign the agreement by the end of this financial year.
France responded to India’s tender for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighters for the aircraft carriers-INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya of the Indian Navy in December itself.
The Indian side would comprise personnel from both the Indian Navy and the Defence Acquisition Wing.
France had sent its reply to India’s Letter of Acceptance to New Delhi.
The Indian side has thoroughly examined the French bid for the Indian agreement, taking into account the contract’s other specifics as well as the aircraft’s commercial offer or pricing, they said.
