India's purchase of French Rafale fighter jets could be concluded in about 10 days, a source with knowledge of talks on the deal told Reuters on Friday.
France, India to conclude jets deal within 10 days
Modi had opted to deal directly with the French government after three years of inconclusive negotiations with the plane's manufacturer, Dassault.
France, India to conclude Rafale jets deal within 10 days - source
Recommended articles
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in April he had ordered 36 Rafale fighters to modernise his country's warplane fleet, though detailed terms and conditions remained to be settled.
"Things are getting better with India," the source said. "An agreement could be seen in about 10 days."
Dassault Aviation was not immediately available to comment.
ADVERTISEMENT
India's announcement came after Dassault in February won its first export order for the jets from Egypt. Since then, Qatar has also placed an order, and talks are under way with Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
But the Indian deal ran into trouble, with both sides wrangling over the unit price of the aircraft and a condition that Dassault should invest a big percentage of the value of the multi-billion dollar contract in India, sources said earlier this month.
India is keen to modernise its ageing airforce, with military officials having warned of a major capability gap opening up with China and Pakistan without new Western warplanes, or if local defence contractors cannot build what the military needs in a timely manner.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Taraba govt approves ₦50k medical allowance for teaching corps members
Reps vows to ensure enrollment of 14m out-of-school children
Nigeria has only 84 paediatric dentists to over 200m population – Dentists
FCT residents decry rising insecurity, demand urgent action
Cross River gorillas will boost local tourism if protected - Wild Africa Fund
Over 4,000 Nigerians rotting in jail over inability to pay fines - Minister
Tribunal to deliver judgment in petitions against Sanwo-Olu's election Monday
Kebbi govt begs residents to be patient amid lingering power outage
We will use Igbo Day to reflect on our origin, existence, says group
Pulse Sports
Anthony Joshua and Burna Boy: Nigerian-born boxer and African giant team up for Boss at Milan Fashion Week
How Nigerians can vote for Osimhen to win FIFA Best Player Award ahead of Messi
I want to 'teach' after football - Lionel Messi opens up on retirement plan
It was a money issue — Jay Jay Okocha on why he snubbed Europe's big clubs
North London Derby: Postecoglou threatens to 'scare the life out' of Arsenal
Super Falcons' Michelle Alozie drops football hot take
ADVERTISEMENT
