New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday embarked on a three-day visit to France.
Before leaving, he said that he is looking forward to deepening ties with the country.
“Leaving New Delhi for Paris on a three day visit to France. Shall attend the Annual Defence Dialogue and the Induction Ceremony of Rafale. India-France bilateral relations have made tremendous progress in the recent years. Looking forward to further and deepen these ties,” tweeted Singh.
Leaving New Delhi for Paris on a three day visit to France. Shall attend the Annual Defence Dialogue and the Induction Ceremony of Rafale.
India-France bilateral relations have made tremendous progress in the recent years. Looking forward to further and deepen these ties.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 7, 2019
On October 8, Rajnath Singh will meet Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
Later, the Defence Minister will participate in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac along with French Minister of Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly. He will also perform the Shastra Puja on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami and fly a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft.
“As per plans, a French pilot will fly in the front cockpit while Singh will sit in the rear cockpit. The first Indian Rafale fighter jet with tail no RB-01 will be used for the sortie,” sources in IAF said.
Singh will also hold the Annual Defence dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly.
On October 9, he will address the CEOs of the French Defence industry during which he is likely to urge them to participate in “Make in India” and the DefExpo to be held in Lucknow from February 5-8, 2020.