Indian Law Ministry Raises Objection Over Rafale Fighter Deal

The Indian government has said that the Law ministry has raised some objections over the off-the-shelf purchase of 36 Rafale fighters from France.

"Ministry of Law & Justice have made certain observations and the same will be adequately taken into account while finalizing the Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA), which is still under negotiations," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. However he did not elaborate on the observations.

"Negotiations on the total cost, actual delivery timelines and guarantee period have not been concluded," Parrikar said.

Both the sides also agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for supply of the aircraft.

A Negotiating Team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement. The meetings of the Indian Negotiations Team with the French side are underway.