The Rafale fighter aircraft deal was in India's interest, French diplomatic sources asserted today, a day after the Congress alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party government was buying 36 aircraft from the French firm at a highly inflated price.

The sources said the military jet was selected for its 'outstanding performance' and 'competitive price', while refusing to directly counter the Congress' allegation, terming it a 'domestic political issue'.

"Rafale has been selected for its outstanding performance and competitive price, following a transparent procedure. The offset clause is going to help develop the defence industry in India," the sources said, adding that there was a need to 'check the facts' before making claims on the contrary.

Under the agreement, the French side has made a 30 per cent offset commitment for military aerospace research and development programmes and the rest 20 per cent for manufacturing the components of the Rafale aircraft in India.

Asked whether France was keen on augmenting the deal, the sources maintained that it was up to India, but added that the focus currently was on delivering the 36 aircraft on time.

"If there are further needs, we will be more than happy to propose our cooperation. But that is not for us to decide and we are not focusing on it currently," they said.

The Congress had yesterday alleged that the Rafale deal amounted to compromising on national interest and security and promoted 'crony capitalism', while causing a loss to the public exchequer.

The opposition party had also alleged that the aircraft were being purchased at much higher rates than what was decided after the completion of the tender process under the previous United Progressive Alliance government.

The Congress communications department head Randeep Surjewala alleged the government neglected the interests of public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of Rafale aircraft refused to transfer technology to it and instead entered into an agreement with Reliance Defence.

The BJP rubbished the allegation, claiming it was intended to divert attention as the party bigwigs faced the prospect of being questioned in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scandal. -- PTI