In a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his French counterpart in Paris, India announced a significant multi-billion-dollar agreement for the purchase of French fighter jets. The Defence Ministry approved plans to acquire 26 additional Rafale jets and three Scorpene-class submarines, although the exact pricing and terms are still under discussion. Surprisingly, key details of this defense deal were omitted from the revised joint statement that was released after the bilateral talks, even though the statement outlined the roadmap for bilateral ties until 2047.

According to media reports, both countries are set to commence negotiations for the acquisition of 26 Rafale aircraft and three Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy. Although the Defence Ministry's Acquisition Committee approved the deal, it was deliberately left out of the joint statement as it pertained to a long-term roadmap spanning 25 years.

"The negotiations will now proceed. Before finalizing the contract, we need to engage in discussions with the industry and reach a consensus. The absence of specific mention in the statement should not be overinterpreted," explained sources quoted by the publication.

India stands as one of the largest buyers of French arms, and Prime Minister Modi had previously announced a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during his visit to Paris in 2015, amounting to approximately 4.0 billion euros at the time. Some of these aircraft also participated in the recent Bastille Day celebrations attended by the Prime Minister.

While the state-run ship-builder Mazagon Dock Limited and the French defense major Naval Group have already solidified a framework agreement for the Scorpene submarine project on July 6, negotiations regarding pricing and other technical details are still being finalized.

According to sources cited in a PTI report, the procurement of the Rafale-M naval variant of the jet will be confirmed once the techno-commercial negotiations reach a conclusion.

India and France Ink MoU for Construction of Three Scorpene Submarines

India-France Joint Statement: Setting Up technical office of DRDO at Paris embassy

PM Modi Arrives in UAE for Final Leg of Visit