Negotiations between France and India for the Rafale fighter aircraft now "on fast track"

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - India & France
 
 
Negotiations between France and India for the Rafale fighter aircraft now "on fast track"
 
Negotiations regarding the transfer of Rafale fighter jets from France to India have made good progress and have been put on fast track, Ambassador of France to India, Francois Richier, said in Kolkata, India, on Wednesday. Voicing satisfaction over the talks, Mr. Richier, who was on a three-day visit to Kolkata told journalists that the talks, which started in early 2012, have taken three years due to the "importance and complexity" of the deal.
     
     
We have decided to finish the negotiations quickly, to put negotiation on fast track. To complete that there is no date fixed but conclusion of negotiations is on the fast track,” the Ambassador said.

In January 2012, India entered into a multi-billion dollar contract for the 126 medium multi role combat aircraft for Indian Air Force with France based Dassault Aviation. As per the contract the first 18 jets were supposed to be delivered in India from France within 36 months of the contract being signed and remaining 108 are to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India over next seven years with transfer of technology.

Asked about France’s delay in delivering warships to Russia, the French Ambassador referred to the crisis in Ukraine and said that it is not refusal but conditions are not conducive for the deal.