For Indians in 48 hours Local media praise Hollande for Rafale deal

Indian students can now stay on for 2 more years after completing studies

PARIS: Calling it a ‘surprise order’, the French news media termed India’s decision to buy 36 Rafale jets in ready-to-fly condition an achievement for President Francois Hollande, particularly because the order came soon after a similar sale to Egypt.

As PM Narendra Modi flew to Toulouse on the second day of his France visit, Dassault Aviation — manufacturer of Rafale jets — said it was ‘grateful’ for the order to meet India’s operational requirements.

The French news media reported the joint statement of Modi and Hollande prominently, and noted that the protracted ongoing negotiations for 126 Rafale jets, termed ‘contract of the century’, will continue. Le Figaro reported that India’s order was an ‘undeniable success’ for Hollande, two months after an export contract to sell 24 fighter planes to Egypt. India’s order is likely to politically help Hollande, whose party got a bruising in the recent local elections.

Dassault Aviation said it was ‘grateful’ to be given the opportunity ERIC TRAPPIER, CEO and chairman, Dassault Aviation

to pursue and extend their partnership with India and to contribute to its defence and sovereignty. “I am delighted by the decision of the Indian authorities which gives a new impetus to our partnership and comes within the scope of the strategic relationship gathering France and India,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

It was the ‘political impetus’ provided by Modi that led to the decision, according to Le Figaro. It noted efforts led by French defence minister Jean-Yves Drian and her ‘discreet visit’ to New Delhi on February 22 to meet defence minister Manohar Parrikar, which set the tone for the order.