"A historic day, says Rajnath Singh as Rafale bolsters IAF's squadrons

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received India's first Rafale combat aircraft, out of 36 fighter jets ordered as part of MMRCA deal between India and France, on behalf of IAF on Tuesday. Rajnath Singh travelled from Paris to Mérignac, and speaking from Merignac Air Base, he said, "Today is truly a historic day for Indian forces and this ceremony shows depth of  strategic partnership in  relations of India and France."

"Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially"

As part of event that included an amalgamation of Indian and French mes, as well as flags, Rajnath Singh said, I am told that Rafale is a French word meaning 'gust of wind.' I am sure aircraft will live up to its name. I believe Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in region.

RE | Rajnath Singh meets French counterpart ahe of Rafale jets inclusion

Rajnath Singh also paid hom to Late President of France Jacques Chirac. He said, "At outset, I pay hom to Late President Jacques Chirac-a truly global statesman and a staunch friend of India- who played a decisive role along with our late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in establishing and building India-France Strategic Partnership."

Handover Ceremony

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier received Rajnath Singh at handover ceremony, where Defence Minister performed 'Shastra Puja' on occasion of Dussehra, and ahe of his sortie in fighter jet. A day earlier Rajnath Singh h stated that everybody is “excited” about reception of first-ever Rafale jet. "Naturally, everyone is excited about Rafale coming to India and Rafale will be handed over tomorrow, you too should witness ceremony," he h said.

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India h ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore in September 2016. While formal handover ceremony takes place this week, first batch of four Rafale jets will fly to ir home base in India by May 2020. 

Rajnath met his French counterpart

Ahe of Rafale's induction into Indian Air Force, Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh met his French counterpart Minister for Armed Forces, Florence Parly and miral Bernard Rogel who is Defence visor to French President Emmanuel Macron. meeting took place at Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday, before a half-hour-long meeting between Rajnath and Macron.

RE | Rajnath Singh boards French military aircraft from Paris to Mérignac

RE | Rajnath Singh meets France President Macron before Rafale induction