France willing to share Rafale deal details: Macron ahead of visit

March 09, 2018 08:25

Ahead of his visit to India on Friday, 9 March, French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country will not have any objection in disclosing information on the Rafale deal if it resolves political stalemate between the centre and the opposition. The deal between India and France involves the purchase of 36 Rafale jet fighters.

Macrons statement comes at a time when the government is facing constant flak from the opposition over the deal, with the Centre refusing to divulge details citing national security.

In an interview with India Today, Macron said that proper attention was given to the economic, industrial and strategic interests in finalising the deal. While he maintained that the deal was not signed during his tenure, he asserted that it was signed keeping in mind the interests of both the countries.

Macron further justified the secrecy clause stating that it was not advisable to give out the details of an extremely sensitive business interest.

While the earlier deal was struck with the previous French government, the Macron-led government is seeking to expand on it, sources have said.

Macron will arrive in New Delhi on 9 March for a four-day state visit to India, during which he will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

In Pictures - Patidar, Kohli hit 50s to take RCB to 206/7

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru played in Hyderabad on Thursday

T20 World Cup dreams on hold? Gill says focus is on GT

Shubman Gill feels that he will be "doing injustice to himself and his team" if national selection occupies his mind.

Chess whiz Gukesh reveals his inspiration: Find out who

D Gukesh admires the way charismatic former India skipper MS Dhoni and iconic tennis player Novak Djokovic

Rahul, Hema in fray as 88 seats go to polls in Phase 2

Voting for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls will be held on Friday for 88 seats in 13 states with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a second-straight term from Wayanad in Kerala.

India calls US report on human rights 'deeply biased'

India on Friday described a United States State Department report citing alleged incidents of human rights violations including in Manipur as 'deeply biased' and said it reflects a poor understanding of India and it attach no value to it.