Ajit Doval Meets French Counterpart, Defence Acquisition on Agenda

France is reportedly seeking another order for 36 Rafale fighter jets.

File image of NSA Ajit Doval.

(Photo: PTI)

A meeting between National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and his French counterpart Emmanuel Bonne in underway in New Delhi on Thursday, 29 August, reportedly to discuss defence acquisitions.

The meeting comes within a week of PM Modi’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and at a time when France is close to delivering the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to India, scheduled to arrive in September.

The Indian Express had earlier reported that France is keen on selling 36 more Rafale jets to India, among other defence equipment. It said that the acquisitions will include helicopters for the Navy and Coast Guards, and submarines as well.

The report said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit France in the latter half of September for the handling of the first Rajale jet. Indian pilots will be trained in France to fly the Rafale.

(With inputs from ANI and The Indian Express)