Rafale uncertainty as envoy says deal still ‘not finalised’

The negotiations on the proposed Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France are “not finalised”, French ambassador to India Francois Richier said Friday, but added he is “hopeful” despite the “complex negotiations”.

The ambassador was speaking to reporters a few days before French President Francois Hollande arrives in India. All eyes are on whether New Delhi and Paris will be able to sign the deal for 36 Rafale fighters during Mr Hollande’s visit as the financial cost of the deal appears to be the main hurdle in negotiations.

Saying talks on terror, climate change and smart cities will be the key highlights of the presidential visit, the ambassador also dismissed a “letter threat” to the visit as possibly the work of an “excited gentleman”.

On Rafale, the ambassador said: “Negotiations are taking place. It (deal) is not finalised. It is a complex negotiation. I’m hopeful.” He said a government-to-government agreement will eventually be signed whenever the deal is finalised. Mr Richier added that the “Rafale was not (a) particularly expensive” aircraft.