Defence Minister Florence Parly: France is prepared to give India with additional fighter planes.

On Friday (December 17), visiting French Defense Minister Florence Parly stated that her country is eager to offer India with more Rafale fighter aircraft. Parly responded to a question by saying, "France is ready to answer any additional needs or request that can be made by India....we are open and ready to provide any other Rafale if this is India's decision."

On September 23, 2016, India inked an inter-governmental agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in flyaway condition. Thirty-three of the 36 have been delivered, with three more due in April 2022. The French Minister's visit to India is his second in two years. In September 2020, she visited India and took part in the formal induction ceremony of five Rafale fighter jets at the Ambala airbase.

The French minister said, "Very happy that Indian Air force is satisfied with its Rafale and we are very proud that despite COVID-19 the 36 aircraft will be delivered on time, according to the contract. It's a real achievement and I was lucky enough to attend the ceremony in September last, induction of the first aircraft with the Indian Air Force. It will be a real asset for our bilateral cooperation, using the same aircraft is real asset and strength. I am sure that there is room for new developments. "

The minister's visit's main day of engagement is today. As part of the yearly defence discussion, she will meet with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Since 2018, the two countries have held an annual defence conversation at the ministerial level.

When asked about the Aukus Pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, under which Canberra receives nuclear submarines, and the French presence in the Indo-Pacific, she answered, "The geography will not change. France is an Indo-Pacific country...We want to develop very close multilateral relations...India is at the center of this strategy. We had developed very good relations with Australia, then Australia made its decision. Won't comment on that. It is very disappointing for us, but will continue to be a major partner for all countries who want to develop the same strategy for the region."

As a result of the Aukus development, Australia has decided to cancel a deal with France for an Attack-class submarine. Since then, the trilateral between India, France, and Australia has slowed.