Bordeaux (France): Defence minister Rajnath Singh landed at Merignac Airport in this southwestern French town Tuesday for the handover ceremony of the first Rafale combat jet acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The minister, who earlier held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, said his visit was aimed at ‘expanding the strategic partnership’ between India and France.
Rajnath Singh will begin with a tour of Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation’s plant before a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Rafale combat jet.
Arrangements have also been made for a traditional Indian ‘Shastra Puja’, or weapons’ worship which forms part of Dussehra celebrations and this year also marks Air Force Day – IAF’s 87th anniversary.
“Greetings to all IAF personnel and their families on the 87th IAF Day,” Rajnath Singh said in a tweet. “The IAF is the shining example of exemplary courage, fortitude, determination and impeccable service to our nation. These men and women in Blue have the ability to touch the sky with grit and glory,” Singh stated.
The first Rafale jet will come with tail number RB 001, with RB denoting the initials of Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria who played a key role in striking the deal for the jets in his previous role as IAF deputy chief.
Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on French President Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders discussed stronger India-France defence and strategic ties during their ‘very warm and productive’ meeting.
During the meeting at Elysee Palace here, the official base of the French President, the minister welcomed France as an ‘important strategic partner’ of India.
The meeting was described by the Ministry of Defence as ‘very warm and productive’.
“The meeting demonstrated the depth of India-France bilateral partnership, especially in the defence sector, that has significantly strengthened in recent times. Both leaders resolved to take the relationship to the next higher level,” said a statement issued by the ministry after the 35-minute meeting.
“(Rajnath) Singh thanked President Macron for his strong support to further intensifying the strategic partnership between the two countries and for his support to the Make in India initiative,” the statement added.
Singh also held discussions with France’s Armed Forces minister Florence Parly. Others who were present in the meeting were Admiral Bernard Rogel and Defence Advisor to the French President.
PTI