New Delhi : Ahead of French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit to New Delhi this week, India has said negotiations for buying 36 Rafale fighters off the shelf will commence this month and will be wrapped up in a time- bound manner.
“The government-to-government committee will be set up which will begin negotiations on the (Rafale) deal. The negotiations will start anytime in May and we have to conclude them as early as possible,” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
Jean-Yves Le Drian is scheduled to visit India on May 5 and hold talks with Parrikar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on May 6 to carry forward the proposed deal.
Parrikar also said that the government has already cleared procurements worth Rs 1,10,000 crore, of which 90% part of ‘Make in India’ initiative. He added that the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) will be in place in the next two-three months.
