Historic day: Rajnath takes handover of Rafale

October 08, 2019 18:03

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to France, during which he will receive the first of the 36 long-awaited Rafale fighter jets on behalf of the Indian Air Force.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Dassault Aviation unit in Merignac, France, Rajnath says:

>> It is a historic day and shows deepening ties between India and France

>> I want to pay my respects to former president Jacques Chirac who with Atal Bihari Vajpayee helped deepen strategic ties between the countries. May his soul rest in peace

>> Dussehra marked as victory of good over evil, today is also Air Force Day in India. Rafale project management team in France since August 2017

>> Rafale jets being delivered on time. Rafale will add to the strength of IAF. Our focus is to enhance the capability of IAF. We are sure that all timelines would be adhered to, be it jets or weapon systems

>> I thank France for cooperation, an important partner for India. Hope that the cooperation will grow

>> I will fly the Rafale jet shortly

>> A new milestone in strategic partnership, a new high in defence cooperation

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