French President Hollande praises PM Modi for his 'sense of proportion, determination', says Rafale deal on right track

New Delhi: French President Francois Hollande, who will be commencing his three-day visit to India on Sunday, said the Rafale deal with India is on right track.

Hollande, who will be the guest of honour at Republic Day on January 26, spoke about the Rafale fighter plane and said, "The multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal is on right track but agreeing on technicalities will take some time."

PM Modi, during his visit to France earlier in 2015, had announced that India would acquire 36 Rafale MMRCA, citing operational necessity of the Indian Air Force.

Negotiations between India and France on closing the deal for 36 Rafale multi-role fighters are in their last, hectic phase. India and France are seeking simultaneous inking of the Inter-Government Agreement and Commercial Contract during President Francois Hollande’s visit on Republic Day.

Praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his sense of diplomacy, Hollande said, "I congratulate PM Narendra Modi for his diplomacy reflecting both a sense of proportion and a strong determination."

The French President also vowed to continue his fight against terrorism and said, "India and France are united in their determination to act together against terrorism."

He also supported India's demand for action by Pakistan in Pathankot terror attack case and noted that India is right to ask for justice in the case. "India is fully justified to ask for justice against perpetrators," said Hollande.  

Francois Hollande will be arriving in India on Sunday on 3-day visit.