'We support India’s candidacy for UNSC': French Defence Minister at Rafale Induction

Rafale fighter jets were formally inducted into Indian Air Force on Thursday at Ambala Air Base. Speaking at ceremony, French Defence Minister supported India's permanent seat at United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This is significant amid India's growing tensions along border with China, as Xi Jinping's country has a number of times vetoed India's claim to prestigious seat.

Speaking at event, Minister of Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, said: "Today, is an achievement for our countries. Toger we are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties. We are fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative, as well as, to furr integration of Indian manufacturers in our global supply chain. France supports India’s candidacy for UN Security Council."

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induction ceremony on Thursday began with a tritional 'Sarva Dharm puja' at Ambala Air Force Station. Praying for security of nation and success of new Rafale jets, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian priests narrated short prayers to bless fighter jets. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhauria attended event.

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Rafale aircraft

On July 29, first batch of five Rafale fighter aircraft reached India, nearly four years after two countries inked an inter-governmental agreement to supply 36 of multi-role jets to Indian Air Force (IAF) under a Rs 59,000-crore deal. aircraft flew out from Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux and covered a distance of nearly 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in United Arab Emirates before arriving at Ambala Air Base.

sophisticated aircraft are expected to significantly boost Indian Air Force's combat capabilities at a time India is locked in a tense border row with China in eastern Lakh.  Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh h received first Rafale during his visit to  Dassault Aviation facility in Mérignac, France on October 8, 2019. However, arrival of aircraft after being refitted with India-specific enhancements was postponed by two months in wake of COVID-19 crisis. Some of India-specific modifications in aircraft include rar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems. 

WATCH SPECTACULAR VIDEO OF RAFALE INDUCTION 

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India's fight for permanent seat at UNSC

India has been actively pursuing a permanent membership in UN Security Council for years and has received support from four of five permanent members. Barring China, or permanent members of Security Council have backed India to join as a permanent member, including two successive US governments. Earlier this year, India was elected as a n-permanent member to UNSC for eighth-time. India was only country from Asia-Pacific Group and won election upposed. 

UN General Assembly annually elects five n-permanent members (out of 10 in total) for a two-year term. 10 n-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis -- five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and or States.

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