Satisfied with progress of talks in Rafale deal: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (Source: PTI)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the Rafale fighter jet deal, indicating a likely progress in the negotiations that were so far stuck over offsets (the Indian component in the aircraft).

The plan to purchase 36 aircraft, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to France, is currently being negotiated by Indian and French teams. As reported earlier, there were disagreements between the two parties regarding offsets.

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“The negotiating committee apprised the DAC about the progress made so far. The DAC has asked it to proceed,” a Defence Ministry source said. The committee had made representations to the Ministry regarding the progress made so far.

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Tuesday’s meeting also saw the DAC clear a Rs 6,966 crore deal to purchase 48 Mi-17V-5 choppers from Russia.

The council also approved the purchase of seven additional squadrons of Akash missiles at Rs 4,790 crore and eight Chetak choppers for the Navy.