DEAL// India and France signed a MoU for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets. The deal, announced in April by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has been in limbo after negotiations hit a roadblock over price issues. The purchase of the 36 Rafale jets from France would cost India around Rs 60,000 crore. At the same time, the decision would strengthen the bilateral relations between India and France. French President Francois Hollande, who was in India as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, told the media that negotiations over the sale of Rafale jets were on the right track. He also noted that Indo-French cooperation in defence “is part of our strategic partnership. It is based on trust, a very strong trust between both our countries.”

The purchase of jets will boost the Indian Air Force assets and provide India with a strategic edge over neighbours.