Parrikar expresses delight over PM Modi's decision to purchase Rafale aircraft from France

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday expressed his delight over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in fly away condition from France and described it as an extremely positive decision.

"It's an extremely positive decision. I have not purchased any new generation aircraft for 17 years and I am very happy that the Prime Minister has taken the initiative to purchase 36 aircrafts in fly away and probably more in 'Make in India' whether in Rafale or other mechanism,"

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had requested French President Francois Hollande for 36 Rafale jets in fly away condition as quickly as possible.

The two leaders also released stamps to mark 50 years of Indo-French cooperation and held a meeting wherein they reviewed relations between the two countries and discussed matters pertaining to defence, nuclear, economics, cultural, educational and people to people ties.

The Prime Minister, who is currently on the first leg on his three-nation nine-day tour, arrived at the UNESCO headquarters at Place de Fontenoy, Paris yesterday.

Prime Minister Modi will reach the German city of Hannover on Sunday on the second leg of his visit. He will reach Canadian capital Ottawa on Tuesday on the final leg of his visit.