The National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently on a two-day visit to France. During his visit, he is meeting with key officials and discussing the 26 Rafale deal for which the Emmanuel Macron-led government has submitted its final price offer.

The Rafale deal will be one of the key discussions during the strategic dialogue between NSA Ajit Doval and French authorities. The French government has submitted its offer after a period of tough negotiations and significant price reductions in the deal.

Since last week, several discussions have been called for the deal of buying 26 Rafale Marine Jets. Last week a French team in New Delhi also conducted a discussion for finalizing the deal with India.

Meanwhile, India is eager to finalize the negotiations and secure the contract by the end of the fiscal year.

About the 26 Rafale Marine Jets deal

Notably, the 26 Rafale Marine Jets include 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters. The deal is significant for the Indian Navy, aiming to enhance its maritime strike capabilities. The deal also includes long-range air-to-air meteor missiles and anti-ship weapons.

Deal Overview

• France has submitted its final price offer after extensive negotiations and significantly reducing the cost
• These jets will be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and various naval bases.
• The deal includes integrating Indian-made systems such as the Uttam radar and Astra beyond visual range missiles
  
  Significance of the Deal
• It aims to strengthen its maritime strike capability. The Rafale Marine jets from Dassault Aviation would replace the MiiG-29 which are currently deployed. This would be India’s second major purchase from France in recent years

India-Rafale Negotiations

In its request, India asked for some changes including adding the locally made Uttam radar to the Navy’s Rafale Jets. However, this would take eight years and cost more. India also wants to include its weapons on the jets, such as the Astra missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles.

The deal considers inflation, and some Indian Air Force needs like 40 drop tanks and a few workstations for the jets.