New Delhi, Jan 25: French President Francois Hollande has indicated that the nearly Rs 60,000 crore Rafale jets deal is unlikely to be signed during his current visit although it is 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.
“Agreeing on the technicalities of this arrangement obviously takes time, but we are on the right track”, Hollande has said.
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 conditions since the announcement for the deal was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April during his visit to France.
However, the deal is yet to be sealed as both sides are still negotiating the price which is estimated to be about Rs 60,000 crore.
A high-level team from France is here and carrying out last minute negotiations.
