Rafale debate highlights: Sitharaman ran away from my questions, says Rahul

A heated debate on the Rafale deal between Congress and BJP took place in the Lok Sabha. Catch Parliament winter session LIVE updates

2:35 PM

Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: Congress did not intend buying the jets . For every 'AA' there is a 'Q' and 'RV'.

2:32 PM

For every 'AA', there's an 'RV', said Nirmala Sitharaman attacking the Congress party.

2:28 PM

"China and Pakistan are building a bigger fleet. The UPA government wanted only 18 flyaway fighter jets. The UPA created a deadlock," says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha on Rafale deal.

2:27 PM

Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: There is a difference between defence dealings and dealing in defence. We don't do defence dealings. We deal in defence with national security as a priority.

2:23 PM

2:21 PM

Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: The first aircraft will be delivered in September 2019 and 36 aircraft will be delivered in the year 2022. The process of negotiation was finished in 14 months.

2:21 PM

Facts frighten Congress party Nirmala Sitharaman slams Opposition for disrupting her speech right at start.

2:19 PM

India to get first Rafale jet by Sept, says Sitharaman.

2:19 PM

Defence Minister during debate on Rafale jet deal in Lok Sabha: China and Pakistan are building a bigger fleet. The UPA government wanted only 18 flyaway fighter jets. UPA created a deadlock.

2:14 PM

"Senior members of the Opposition don't want to hear my answers. It is very disheartening. This country needs to know that defence purchases are national security related," says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha on Rafale deal.

2:13 PM

"This country will have to understand that national security is important, whether they (opposition) are in power or we are (BJP). We cannot run away from facts," says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha on Rafale deal.

 

"The environment around India is very volatile. It is important for us to understand that whosoever is in power, will want peace. But it cannot be at the cost of making our armed forces feel that they are not being given enough to fight," she adds. "Timely getting the equipment should be the priority. Our two borders are always highly sensitive and it is important to timely purchase the ammunition."

2:12 PM

Defence Minister during debate on Rafale jet deal in Lok Sabha: We have had wars in northern and western frontiers. Timely purchase equipment should be the priority. We have to recognise the sense of urgency.

2:10 PM

Defence Minister on Rafale jet deal in Lok Sabha: This country needs to know that defence purchases are national security related and very important, whether they are in power or we are.

2:09 PM

"National security is important whether they are in power or we are": Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

2:08 PM

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharama speaks on the #Rafale controversy in the Lok Sabha.