<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Govt files affidavit in SC seeking 'correction' in para which makes reference to CAG report, PAC in Rafale judgement</a>

A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Rafale pricing never reached Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Centre on Saturday filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking ''correction'' in a paragraph in its judgement on Rafale fighter jet deal in which a reference has been made about the CAG&nbsp;report and PAC, reported news agency PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-maldivian-president-solih-arrives-in-india-on-sunday-visa-pact-on-the-cards-184252">New Maldivian president Solih arrives in India on Sunday; visa pact on the cards</a>

Solih arrives in India at 2 pm on Sunday. The 3-day visit from 16-18th will see the President meeting Indian business leaders, being accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and address a joint press conference&nbsp;with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-clears-way-for-reopening-vedanta-copper-smelter-tamil-nadu-government-to-appeal-184256">NGT clears </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-clears-way-for-reopening-vedanta-copper-smelter-tamil-nadu-government-to-appeal-184256">way</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-clears-way-for-reopening-vedanta-copper-smelter-tamil-nadu-government-to-appeal-184256"> for reopening Thoothukudi Sterlite plant, Tamil Nadu govt to appeal</a>

The National Green Tribunal has set aside Tamil Nadu government's closure order of Vedanta`s copper smelter plant permanently saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-extends-christian-michels-cbi-custody-by-4-days-184263">AgustaWestland case: Court extends Christian Michel's CBI custody by 4 days</a>

The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of&nbsp;Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days.&nbsp;The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 19.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-wont-give-up-on-khashoggi-murder-probe-foreign-minister-184299">Turkey won't 'give up' on Khashoggi murder probe: Foreign minister</a>

Turkey's foreign minister said Saturday his country would "not give up" on finding out the truth about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul.

&nbsp;

Govt files affidavit in SC seeking 'correction' in para which makes reference to CAG report, PAC in Rafale judgement A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Rafale pricing never reached Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Centre on Saturday filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking ''correction'' in a paragraph in its judgement on Rafale fighter jet deal in which a reference has been made about the CAG report and PAC, reported news agency PTI.

Govt files affidavit in SC seeking 'correction' in para which makes reference to CAG report, PAC in Rafale judgement A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Rafale pricing never reached Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Centre on Saturday filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking ''correction'' in a paragraph in its judgement on Rafale fighter jet deal in which a reference has been made about the CAG report and PAC, reported news agency PTI. New Maldivian president Solih arrives in India on Sunday; visa pact on the cards Solih arrives in India at 2 pm on Sunday. The 3-day visit from 16-18th will see the President meeting Indian business leaders, being accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and address a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. NGT clears way for reopening Thoothukudi Sterlite plant, Tamil Nadu govt to appeal The National Green Tribunal has set aside Tamil Nadu government's closure order of Vedanta`s copper smelter plant permanently saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified. AgustaWestland case: Court extends Christian Michel's CBI custody by 4 days The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 19. Turkey won't 'give up' on Khashoggi murder probe: Foreign minister Turkey's foreign minister said Saturday his country would "not give up" on finding out the truth about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">government relief in the Rafale jet case</a>, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal.

At a press conference, Congress leader Kapil Sibal pointed to a part of Friday's judgment in which the Supreme Court said the material placed before it shows the Centre did not disclose in Parliament the pricing details of the fighter jet but revealed it to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The apex court also said the CAG report was even examined by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

Reacting to this, Sibal said Mallikarjun Kharge, the chairman of PAC, has said he never received any such report on Rafale jet.

"Who is responsible for this? Who said this? It was the government who said this. How did the attorney general pass the affidavit?" he said.

He also rebuked the government for not reading its own affidavits.

"This is a very serious matter and there should be an action in this case because the message among people is that CAG has cleared and Parliament has seen the deal, which is wrong," he said.

Sibal said the court has neither gone into pricing nor into the technical aspects of the deal.

"Then how can they say that the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the government. If you (the government) have not given the evidence if the cross-examination has not happened then who gave you a clean chit. Only a JPC, which will be formed sooner or later, can probe this," he said.

Earlier Saturday, Kharge said he will request all members of the panel to summon the attorney general and the CAG to ask them when was the public auditor's report tabled in Parliament.

The Congress leader accused the government of "misleading" the court by presenting wrong information about the CAG report on the Rafale deal and demanded that the government should apologise for it.

In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract.&nbsp;

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the government relief in the Rafale jet case, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal.

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the government relief in the Rafale jet case, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal. At a press conference, Congress leader Kapil Sibal pointed to a part of Friday's judgment in which the Supreme Court said the material placed before it shows the Centre did not disclose in Parliament the pricing details of the fighter jet but revealed it to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The apex court also said the CAG report was even examined by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. Reacting to this, Sibal said Mallikarjun Kharge, the chairman of PAC, has said he never received any such report on Rafale jet. "Who is responsible for this? Who said this? It was the government who said this. How did the attorney general pass the affidavit?" he said. He also rebuked the government for not reading its own affidavits. "This is a very serious matter and there should be an action in this case because the message among people is that CAG has cleared and Parliament has seen the deal, which is wrong," he said. Sibal said the court has neither gone into pricing nor into the technical aspects of the deal. "Then how can they say that the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the government. If you (the government) have not given the evidence if the cross-examination has not happened then who gave you a clean chit. Only a JPC, which will be formed sooner or later, can probe this," he said. Earlier Saturday, Kharge said he will request all members of the panel to summon the attorney general and the CAG to ask them when was the public auditor's report tabled in Parliament. The Congress leader accused the government of "misleading" the court by presenting wrong information about the CAG report on the Rafale deal and demanded that the government should apologise for it. In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract.

Supreme Court didn't go into pricing, technical aspects of Rafale; only JPC can probe deal: Congress

Wion Chat: Apex court verdict on Rafale deal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-on-rafael-deal-has-been-thouroughly-through-the-supreme-court-laid-to-rest-sitharaman-184062">Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal</a>

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">Ashok Gehlot named </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">chief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061"> minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM</a>

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-inaugural-committee-under-criminal-investigation-over-fund-wrongdoing-report-184063">Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report</a>

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-accusations-against-russian-butina-absolutely-unfounded-kremlin-184054">US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin</a>

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Amit Shah slams Rahul </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Gandhi,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> says Rafale deal verdict is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">slap</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> on politics of lies</a>

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

&nbsp;

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''. Ashok Gehlot named chief minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report. US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded". Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi, says Rafale deal verdict is slap on politics of lies Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

Rafale Verdict: No Probe Into Rafale Deal; SC dismisses petition

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1.

Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina."

The high-level engagement comes amidst the Rafale deal row.

India's main Opposition party, the Congress, has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of irregularities in the high-profile defence fighter jets contract.

They have claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is procuring the aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the Congress party, had alleged that Dassault (the makers of the jet) invested Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani, which was used to procure land in Nagpur.

"It is clear the Dassault CEO is lying. If there an inquiry in this regard, Modi is not going to survive it. Guaranteed," he had remarked.

Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, in an exclusive interview to ANI earlier this month, had rubbished allegations made by Gandhi that the former lied about the details of Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal.

"I don`t lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don`t have a reputation for lying. In my position as CEO, you don`t lie," said Trappier when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi`s charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1. Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1. Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina." The high-level engagement comes amidst the Rafale deal row. India's main Opposition party, the Congress, has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of irregularities in the high-profile defence fighter jets contract. They have claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is procuring the aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the Congress party, had alleged that Dassault (the makers of the jet) invested Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani, which was used to procure land in Nagpur. "It is clear the Dassault CEO is lying. If there an inquiry in this regard, Modi is not going to survive it. Guaranteed," he had remarked. Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, in an exclusive interview to ANI earlier this month, had rubbished allegations made by Gandhi that the former lied about the details of Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. "I don`t lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don`t have a reputation for lying. In my position as CEO, you don`t lie," said Trappier when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi`s charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

Modi-Macron to meet on G20 sidelines amidst Rafale row

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.&nbsp;

In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26&nbsp;"to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi."

The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi."

The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences."

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Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes."

The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-i-dont-lie-we-chose-ambani-by-ourselves-says-dassault-ceo-trappier-177000">We chose Ambani by ourselves</a>. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance." 
&nbsp;

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office. In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26 "to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi." The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi." The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal. The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences." × Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes." The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company. In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance."

French NGO files complaint, seeks clarification on terms of Rafale deal 

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-i-dont-lie-we-chose-ambani-by-ourselves-says-dassault-ceo-trappier-177000">Eric Trappier</a>, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam."

Eric Trappier in an interview with news agency ANI on Tuesday dismissed Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that he had lied about the details of the Dassault- Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale fighter jet deal.&nbsp;

As a reaction to the interview Surjewala took to twitter and posted "The first rule of Law - Mutual Beneficiaries and co-accused's statements hold no value. Second Rule: Beneficiaries and Accused can't be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out."

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‘Dictated Interviews’ &amp; ‘Manufactured Lies’ can not suppress the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> Scam! 
 
First rule of Law- 
Mutual Beneficiaries &amp; Co-accused’s statements hold no value. 
 
Second Rule:-Beneficiaries &amp; Accused can’t be Judge in their own case. 
 
Truth has a way of coming out. <a href="https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q">https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1062224546256760832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also called the interview "a fixed match between BJP Govt &amp; Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi &amp; Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> Scam! 
 
Nation doesn’t need ‘doctored explanations’ but ‘fair investigation’! 
 
Fixed match between BJP Govt &amp; Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi &amp; Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption. 
 
Our Statement-: <a href="https://t.co/P4xAGiUj7z">pic.twitter.com/P4xAGiUj7z</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1062244158566481920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the interview, Trappier told ANI,&nbsp;"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying".

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam." Eric Trappier in an interview with news agency ANI on Tuesday dismissed Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that he had lied about the details of the Dassault- Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale fighter jet deal. As a reaction to the interview Surjewala took to twitter and posted "The first rule of Law - Mutual Beneficiaries and co-accused's statements hold no value. Second Rule: Beneficiaries and Accused can't be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out." ‘Dictated Interviews’ & ‘Manufactured Lies’ can not suppress the #Rafale Scam! First rule of Law- Mutual Beneficiaries & Co-accused’s statements hold no value. Second Rule:-Beneficiaries & Accused can’t be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out. https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 13, 2018 × He also called the interview "a fixed match between BJP Govt & Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi & Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption." #Rafale Scam! Nation doesn’t need ‘doctored explanations’ but ‘fair investigation’! Fixed match between BJP Govt & Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi & Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption. Our Statement-: pic.twitter.com/P4xAGiUj7z — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 13, 2018 × During the interview, Trappier told ANI, "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying".

‘Dictated interviews’ cannot suppress the Rafale scam: Congress hits back at Dassault CEO

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-is-confused-man-on-rafale-says-nirmala-sitharaman-175207">said that the company chose</a> Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance.

"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dictated-interviews-and-manufactured-lies-cannot-suppress-the-rafale-scam-congress-hits-back-at-dassault-ceo-177048">respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge</a> that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

"In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added.

The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process".

The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013.

"We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government."

"The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said.

"We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies&nbsp;which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40,"&nbsp;he informed.

The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore.

"As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court.

It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation".

"We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said.

"We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal.

INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft.

The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary &amp; Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary &amp; Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side.

The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said. 
&nbsp;

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier said that the company chose Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance. "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. "In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added. The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process". The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013. "We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government." "The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said. "We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40," he informed. The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore. "As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court. It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation". "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said. "We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added. The Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal. INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft. The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary & Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary & Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side. The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said.

Rafale deal: We chose Ambani ourselves, not putting the money in Reliance, says Dassault CEO Trappier

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap."

"Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has deliberately tried in recent interviews to 'muddy the waters' over the Rafale deal and Dassault now is trying to hide the truth. Unfortunately it is falling into its own trap," Sibal told reporters here Tuesday night.

"I would warn Dassault that the more they continue to hide the deal, the more likely it is that they will get into serious trouble in time to come," he said.

He said, "we are asking the CEO of Dassault not to muddy the water. We want an inquiry as there is corruption at the highest level in the deal."

Congress party has escalated its campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal in recent weeks, with its president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the government forced Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the deal.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value - in this case around eight billion euros - in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Sibal said he was also worried about "what is happening in the economic field and sought to know why the banks are selling their non-productive assets to two or three entities and who is backing the bidders.

"There are various forms of corruption, some hidden and some open."&nbsp;

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap.

Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal has accused the CEO of French aviation company Dassault of trying to hide the truth in the 2016 sale of 36 Rafale planes to India and warned that the company is "falling into its own trap." "Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has deliberately tried in recent interviews to 'muddy the waters' over the Rafale deal and Dassault now is trying to hide the truth. Unfortunately it is falling into its own trap," Sibal told reporters here Tuesday night. "I would warn Dassault that the more they continue to hide the deal, the more likely it is that they will get into serious trouble in time to come," he said. He said, "we are asking the CEO of Dassault not to muddy the water. We want an inquiry as there is corruption at the highest level in the deal." Congress party has escalated its campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal in recent weeks, with its president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the government forced Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the deal. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value - in this case around eight billion euros - in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms. Sibal said he was also worried about "what is happening in the economic field and sought to know why the banks are selling their non-productive assets to two or three entities and who is backing the bidders. "There are various forms of corruption, some hidden and some open."

Sibal accuses Dassault Aviation's CEO of trying to hide truth in Rafale deal

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer.

But it would like to be a "total technology transfer partner" for production of aircraft, he said.

Madhavan's reply came when he was asked to clarify on one among many charges that defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had been deprived of an offset contract from the Rafale deal.

"We are not contending to be an offset partner to any OEM, rather HAL would like to be a total technology transfer partner for production of aircraft," he told PTI here.

He also said HAL's basic focus was on manufacturing of aircraft, helicopters, associated accessories and their repair and overhaul, and not in garnering offset business.

Production of aircraft from transfer of technology is totally different from offsets, according to him.

Some portion of the offset business from various other programmes were being administered at the HAL, but it does not form a major business, Madhavan said.

"HAL will continue to get these offset business," he added.

The Congress recently accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

It alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal.

However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused the Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains.

Reliance has also said the Indian government, the French government, Dassault and Reliance have clarified on multiple occasions that there was no offset contract for Rs 30,000 crore to Reliance as alleged by the Congress.

Earlier, in an interaction with the media on November 2, Madhavan had said that the HAL was completely out of the Rafale deal, but at one point of time, it was part of it, which did not kick-off.

"We are not in that (Rafale) business now. We were in it at one point of time. It is a direct purchase by the government and (I) cannot make any comments on pricing and policy changes," he had said.

Escalating his campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi last month accused it of destroying the "strategic asset", state-run aerospace company HAL, and told its employees that "Rafale is your right."

In an interaction, Gandhi had sought to reach out to present and former HAL employees, alleging that "temples of modern India are being attacked and destroyed; we cannot allow it to be done."

The Congress has also been demanding answers on why the HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.&nbsp;

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer.

Amid a political slugfest over the Rafale fighter jet deal, state-run HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan Wednesday said the aircraft manufacturing company is contending not to be an offset partner of any original equipment manufacturer. But it would like to be a "total technology transfer partner" for production of aircraft, he said. Madhavan's reply came when he was asked to clarify on one among many charges that defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had been deprived of an offset contract from the Rafale deal. "We are not contending to be an offset partner to any OEM, rather HAL would like to be a total technology transfer partner for production of aircraft," he told PTI here. He also said HAL's basic focus was on manufacturing of aircraft, helicopters, associated accessories and their repair and overhaul, and not in garnering offset business. Production of aircraft from transfer of technology is totally different from offsets, according to him. Some portion of the offset business from various other programmes were being administered at the HAL, but it does not form a major business, Madhavan said. "HAL will continue to get these offset business," he added. The Congress recently accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. It alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused the Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. Reliance has also said the Indian government, the French government, Dassault and Reliance have clarified on multiple occasions that there was no offset contract for Rs 30,000 crore to Reliance as alleged by the Congress. Earlier, in an interaction with the media on November 2, Madhavan had said that the HAL was completely out of the Rafale deal, but at one point of time, it was part of it, which did not kick-off. "We are not in that (Rafale) business now. We were in it at one point of time. It is a direct purchase by the government and (I) cannot make any comments on pricing and policy changes," he had said. Escalating his campaign against the Modi government over the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi last month accused it of destroying the "strategic asset", state-run aerospace company HAL, and told its employees that "Rafale is your right." In an interaction, Gandhi had sought to reach out to present and former HAL employees, alleging that "temples of modern India are being attacked and destroyed; we cannot allow it to be done." The Congress has also been demanding answers on why the HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

HAL not contending to be offset partner of any firm: Chairman

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear the two PILs on Wednesday, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India’s deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The lawyer mentioned Tuesday the plea before the bench, which asked him to provide its copy on Wednesday.

On October 10, the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the “details of the steps” taken in the decision making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal.

Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company “accepted to work with Reliance as an ‘imperative and obligatory’ condition for securing the fighter contract”.

Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file “all relevant documents of the Rafale deal belonging to them”.

The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of “defence procurement procedure” and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case.

The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as “grossly inadequate” and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about the legitimacy of the decision-making process.

The poll panel recently announced the dates for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana which would conclude by November end.

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition.

A lawyer, who was the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over Rafale aircraft deal, filed an interim plea seeking his PIL be heard after Assembly polls in five states which are scheduled in November, in order to counter an allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear the two PILs on Wednesday, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India’s deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The lawyer mentioned Tuesday the plea before the bench, which asked him to provide its copy on Wednesday. On October 10, the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the “details of the steps” taken in the decision making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal. Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company “accepted to work with Reliance as an ‘imperative and obligatory’ condition for securing the fighter contract”. Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file “all relevant documents of the Rafale deal belonging to them”. The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of “defence procurement procedure” and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case. The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as “grossly inadequate” and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about the legitimacy of the decision-making process. The poll panel recently announced the dates for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana which would conclude by November end.

Rafale case: Lawyer seeks hearing on PIL in Supreme Court after assembly polls in five states

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anil-ambanis-reliance-defence-tells-congress-to-behave-responsibly-while-talking-about-rafale-deal-160846">Rafale deal</a> to the Supreme Court.

The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism.&nbsp;

The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece".

He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence.

The government, on the&nbsp;other hand, said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-defence-minister-hits-out-at-opposition-on-rafale-deal-173408">BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency</a> in defence deals.&nbsp;Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner.&nbsp;

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Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. <a href="https://t.co/XxkUYbO7Em">pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056078554604154880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal. Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally. He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece". He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence. The government, on the other hand, said that the BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency in defence deals. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner. Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the #Rafale deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Government submits details of decision making in Rafale deal to Supreme Court

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

In a Facebook post, Gandhi said due to the renegotiated deal India could not get transfer of technology as negotiated during the UPA rule and it was shameful that Indian pilots have to put their lives at risk flying the ancient Jaguar aircraft as the new technology did not come into the country.

He cited a media report to allege that instead of getting 126 Rafale aircraft together with transfer of technology that would have transformed the Indian Air Force, the NDA government renegotiated the deal to get only 36 aircraft made in France.

"Since 2014, instead of taking to closure deals that had been negotiated by the UPA Government, the present government has focussed on renegotiating those deals to benefit crony capitalists.

"For instance, the UPA's Rafale deal for 126 aircraft would have transformed the Indian Airforce allowing us to scrap and replace ancient aircraft like the Jaguar. It involved the transfer of technology to HAL which would have helped make us become more self reliant in the future. Instead, the deal was re-worked for Anil Ambani's benefit and reduced to just 36 aircraft - all made in France. These aircraft will take years to arrive in India," he claimed in his post.

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has denied the Congress' allegations in connection with deal.

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism.&nbsp;

The Government has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations, while the BJP has accused him of spreading lies on the issue.

The Congress chief alleged that India's pilots are forced to put their lives at risk each day, flying ancient Jaguars, that are kept in the air "using parts scrounged from junk yards in France and other parts of the world".

"Not only is this shameful, it reduces India's prestige globally and puts the lives of our pilots at risk," he said.

He cited a media report claiming that "India is the only air force in the world still flying the Jaguar aircraft, and will now ?cannibalise' retired aircraft for spare parts".&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally. In a Facebook post, Gandhi said due to the renegotiated deal India could not get transfer of technology as negotiated during the UPA rule and it was shameful that Indian pilots have to put their lives at risk flying the ancient Jaguar aircraft as the new technology did not come into the country. He cited a media report to allege that instead of getting 126 Rafale aircraft together with transfer of technology that would have transformed the Indian Air Force, the NDA government renegotiated the deal to get only 36 aircraft made in France. "Since 2014, instead of taking to closure deals that had been negotiated by the UPA Government, the present government has focussed on renegotiating those deals to benefit crony capitalists. "For instance, the UPA's Rafale deal for 126 aircraft would have transformed the Indian Airforce allowing us to scrap and replace ancient aircraft like the Jaguar. It involved the transfer of technology to HAL which would have helped make us become more self reliant in the future. Instead, the deal was re-worked for Anil Ambani's benefit and reduced to just 36 aircraft - all made in France. These aircraft will take years to arrive in India," he claimed in his post. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has denied the Congress' allegations in connection with deal. Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The Government has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations, while the BJP has accused him of spreading lies on the issue. The Congress chief alleged that India's pilots are forced to put their lives at risk each day, flying ancient Jaguars, that are kept in the air "using parts scrounged from junk yards in France and other parts of the world". "Not only is this shameful, it reduces India's prestige globally and puts the lives of our pilots at risk," he said. He cited a media report claiming that "India is the only air force in the world still flying the Jaguar aircraft, and will now ?cannibalise' retired aircraft for spare parts".

Rahul persists with Rafale attack on government, alleges deal re-negotiated to benefit crony capitalists

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it.

Questioning Modi's silence over the deal, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed that only the prime minister was aware that the offset contracts would not be given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

"It was his (Modi's) decision. Only he was privy to what he was going to do," Sharma said, addressing a press conference at the party office here.

It was expected that the prime minister would speak on this issue of national importance, but he continued to remain silent while making tall claims about his government, the Congress leader said.

"The prime minister has much to hide in the Rafale deal. His silence raises fundamental questions, because he is directly complicit and personally accountable for it," he alleged.

Claiming that the Rafale deal was the biggest scam in the history of the country, Sharma reiterated his party's demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into it.

The former Union minister also questioned Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to France, during which she will take stock of the progress of French firm Dassault Aviation supplying 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force under the Rs 58,000-crore deal.

Sharma maintained that there was a hike in the price of the fighter aircraft India was buying from France and asserted that the prime minister needed to clear many doubts about the deal that had been raised.

He said more details of the deal would emerge if a forensic audit of it was carried out.

The Congress has been claiming that the aircraft will cost significantly more than what the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was negotiating.

The opposition party has also been demanding answers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as to why HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it.

Continuing with its campaign against the government over the Rafale deal, the Congress Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was directly involved in it, adding that he had much to hide about it. Questioning Modi's silence over the deal, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed that only the prime minister was aware that the offset contracts would not be given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "It was his (Modi's) decision. Only he was privy to what he was going to do," Sharma said, addressing a press conference at the party office here. It was expected that the prime minister would speak on this issue of national importance, but he continued to remain silent while making tall claims about his government, the Congress leader said. "The prime minister has much to hide in the Rafale deal. His silence raises fundamental questions, because he is directly complicit and personally accountable for it," he alleged. Claiming that the Rafale deal was the biggest scam in the history of the country, Sharma reiterated his party's demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into it. The former Union minister also questioned Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to France, during which she will take stock of the progress of French firm Dassault Aviation supplying 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force under the Rs 58,000-crore deal. Sharma maintained that there was a hike in the price of the fighter aircraft India was buying from France and asserted that the prime minister needed to clear many doubts about the deal that had been raised. He said more details of the deal would emerge if a forensic audit of it was carried out. The Congress has been claiming that the aircraft will cost significantly more than what the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was negotiating. The opposition party has also been demanding answers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as to why HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

PM has much to hide about Rafale deal: Congress

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them.

In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft".

Attacking Anil Ambani for the Rafale deal he said, "A very senior person in the government has said that HAL doesn't have the capacity to build Rafale. Well, what about the person who got the contract? What capacity does he have? I see can 78 years of your (HAL) work here".

He further said that the HAL employees expected an apology as they were insulted and hurt.

"(HAL employees) said that they are the most experienced and best company in India to manufacture defence equipment. They are insulted and hurt as their hard work and patriotism has been insulted and questioned by the Government of India. So the first thing is they (HAL employee) expect an apology from the defence minister for insulting HAL. We understand that she won't apologise. She comments on the lack of experience of HAL but she doesn't have anything to say on the lack of experience of Anil Ambani, " Gandhi said.

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"We will fight this on every street in India, we will stand with HAL and fight this, we will stand with AirForce and fight this," he noted.

Gandhi further said that "HAL is not just a company when India got independence, India built some strategic assets to enter specific areas, HAL is a strategic asset to take India into aerospace. The work you have done for this country is tremendous and the country owes a debt to you".

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy were present during the interaction.

Gandhi's interaction is part of his onslaught against the PM Modi government over the Rafale deal in which he has alleged that HAL was overlooked in the offsets contracts with French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, preferring Anil Ambani's company.

Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL.

Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them. In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi told the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday that the right to build the Rafale contract solely lies with them. In an interaction with the serving and former HAL employees in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Gandhi said, "This Rafale contract is your right, you are the only company in this country that has the experience to build that aircraft". Attacking Anil Ambani for the Rafale deal he said, "A very senior person in the government has said that HAL doesn't have the capacity to build Rafale. Well, what about the person who got the contract? What capacity does he have? I see can 78 years of your (HAL) work here". He further said that the HAL employees expected an apology as they were insulted and hurt. "(HAL employees) said that they are the most experienced and best company in India to manufacture defence equipment. They are insulted and hurt as their hard work and patriotism has been insulted and questioned by the Government of India. So the first thing is they (HAL employee) expect an apology from the defence minister for insulting HAL. We understand that she won't apologise. She comments on the lack of experience of HAL but she doesn't have anything to say on the lack of experience of Anil Ambani, " Gandhi said. × "We will fight this on every street in India, we will stand with HAL and fight this, we will stand with AirForce and fight this," he noted. Gandhi further said that "HAL is not just a company when India got independence, India built some strategic assets to enter specific areas, HAL is a strategic asset to take India into aerospace. The work you have done for this country is tremendous and the country owes a debt to you". Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy were present during the interaction. Gandhi's interaction is part of his onslaught against the PM Modi government over the Rafale deal in which he has alleged that HAL was overlooked in the offsets contracts with French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, preferring Anil Ambani's company. Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime. The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL. Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. (With inputs from agencies)

Rafale contract is your right: Rahul Gandhi to HAL employees

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract.

A delegation of Congress leaders met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Rajiv Mehrishi -- it is the second time within a month that they met the central auditor over the Rafale deal -- and presented a memorandum to him along with fresh documents.

The party had met the CAG on September 19 and thereafter the CVC on September 24 demanding a probe into the deal.

Subsequent to the submissions made before the CAG earlier, the Congress alleged that documents and revelations made at the highest level in India and France have "exposed a deep-rooted sinister conspiracy and a clear-cut case of loss to public exchequer".

"The Rafale scam has now emerged as India's biggest 'defence scam'. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet every day with repeated disclosures getting zero answers from the Defence Ministry. In fact, the only 'truth' of this government is 'subterfuge'. The stench of 'corruption' and 'cronyism' in the Rafale deal is nauseating, requiring urgent intervention," the Congress memorandum said.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the party brought to the CAG's attention additional developments and revelations that have come up since it submitted the memorandum last time.

He said the party expected the CAG to take note of important developments like the statement of former French president Francois Hollande and the dissent note by a senior Defence Ministry official responsible for jets' acquisition.&nbsp;

He also pointed out that Dassault CEO Eric Trapier's statement made 17 days before the new agreement was entered into, contradicts the government's stand.

"Parliament alone has the authority then to scrutinize the CAG report and to fix accountability for 'this biggest scam of the century' i.E. PM's arbitrary decision to purchase 36 aircraft three times the price which was negotiated.

"We are also very clear that once all these facts come on record, the Congress party will insist not only demand, we will insist on a JPC to take charge of all the documents which will come along with the CAG report and then fix accountability to those who have plundered the public money and cheated the public exchequer," he told reporters.

Sharma claimed the CAG gave the assurance that it functions as per established procedures and norms and "we do hope...That all the facts come on record for the Joint Parliamentary Committee, then, through examination, fix the accountability for this big scam."

He said the issue is bound to have global ramifications and every detail and document "must go through CAG's forensic audit before a report is submitted to the Parliament".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party has again brought before the CAG some new facts and revelations that have come to light after it last met the auditor.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The party also alleged that in a classic case of blatant 'crony capitalism', private entity Reliance Defence was deliberately enriched by an award of a Rs 30,000- crore offset contract at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.&nbsp;

"The above facts reflect a clear-cut case of loss to the public exchequer and rampant corruption coupled with a concerted conspiracy of by-passing PSU, HAL. It also reveals illegal and undue benefit to 'crony friends' by the highest echelons of power in the Modi Government, in the unilateral purchase of 36 Rafale Jets from Dassault Aviation i.E India's biggest ever defence contract worth Rs 60,150 Crore," it said.

The party told the CAG that all the contours of conspiracy, corruption, endangering of national security and crony capitalism can only be uncovered through a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

"It is expected that the CAG which has a Constitutional mandate and authority to scrutinize every document, in this case including original tender, an understanding reached between Dassault and HAL and the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister without any mandate from Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will undertake a forensic audit.&nbsp;

"We, therefore, request the CAG to bring all facts on record to enable the Parliament to fix accountability for Rafale scam," the Congress memorandum said.

The opposition party had earlier taken the matter to the CAG and said the federal auditor told the party it is "already examining" the entire issue for its report to Parliament.

The government had said it does not think a JPC or a CAG audit is set up to satisfy the "ego of an ill-informed leader" who repeats lies with alarming regularity, in an apparent dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress leaders who were part of the delegation to CAG also included Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, RPN Singh and Vivek Tankha.

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract.

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract. A delegation of Congress leaders met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Rajiv Mehrishi -- it is the second time within a month that they met the central auditor over the Rafale deal -- and presented a memorandum to him along with fresh documents. The party had met the CAG on September 19 and thereafter the CVC on September 24 demanding a probe into the deal. Subsequent to the submissions made before the CAG earlier, the Congress alleged that documents and revelations made at the highest level in India and France have "exposed a deep-rooted sinister conspiracy and a clear-cut case of loss to public exchequer". "The Rafale scam has now emerged as India's biggest 'defence scam'. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet every day with repeated disclosures getting zero answers from the Defence Ministry. In fact, the only 'truth' of this government is 'subterfuge'. The stench of 'corruption' and 'cronyism' in the Rafale deal is nauseating, requiring urgent intervention," the Congress memorandum said. Congress leader Anand Sharma said the party brought to the CAG's attention additional developments and revelations that have come up since it submitted the memorandum last time. He said the party expected the CAG to take note of important developments like the statement of former French president Francois Hollande and the dissent note by a senior Defence Ministry official responsible for jets' acquisition. He also pointed out that Dassault CEO Eric Trapier's statement made 17 days before the new agreement was entered into, contradicts the government's stand. "Parliament alone has the authority then to scrutinize the CAG report and to fix accountability for 'this biggest scam of the century' i.E. PM's arbitrary decision to purchase 36 aircraft three times the price which was negotiated. "We are also very clear that once all these facts come on record, the Congress party will insist not only demand, we will insist on a JPC to take charge of all the documents which will come along with the CAG report and then fix accountability to those who have plundered the public money and cheated the public exchequer," he told reporters. Sharma claimed the CAG gave the assurance that it functions as per established procedures and norms and "we do hope...That all the facts come on record for the Joint Parliamentary Committee, then, through examination, fix the accountability for this big scam." He said the issue is bound to have global ramifications and every detail and document "must go through CAG's forensic audit before a report is submitted to the Parliament". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party has again brought before the CAG some new facts and revelations that have come to light after it last met the auditor. The party also alleged that in a classic case of blatant 'crony capitalism', private entity Reliance Defence was deliberately enriched by an award of a Rs 30,000- crore offset contract at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. "The above facts reflect a clear-cut case of loss to the public exchequer and rampant corruption coupled with a concerted conspiracy of by-passing PSU, HAL. It also reveals illegal and undue benefit to 'crony friends' by the highest echelons of power in the Modi Government, in the unilateral purchase of 36 Rafale Jets from Dassault Aviation i.E India's biggest ever defence contract worth Rs 60,150 Crore," it said. The party told the CAG that all the contours of conspiracy, corruption, endangering of national security and crony capitalism can only be uncovered through a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). "It is expected that the CAG which has a Constitutional mandate and authority to scrutinize every document, in this case including original tender, an understanding reached between Dassault and HAL and the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister without any mandate from Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will undertake a forensic audit. "We, therefore, request the CAG to bring all facts on record to enable the Parliament to fix accountability for Rafale scam," the Congress memorandum said. The opposition party had earlier taken the matter to the CAG and said the federal auditor told the party it is "already examining" the entire issue for its report to Parliament. The government had said it does not think a JPC or a CAG audit is set up to satisfy the "ego of an ill-informed leader" who repeats lies with alarming regularity, in an apparent dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leaders who were part of the delegation to CAG also included Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, RPN Singh and Vivek Tankha.

Congress presses for CAG audit of Rafale deal, meets auditor

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement.

But, the present government had cancelled it and inked a new deal.

"They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper...In that case, they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper...They are not revealing... Besides if the cost of the plane is cheaper then why not buy more jets? why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister said.&nbsp;

Alleging that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was "not aware of anything", he said in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime, three Union ministers have been taking care of the defence portfolio.

"None of them did a proper job," Chidambaram said.

Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government was buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime.

In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets, scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft, on grounds of huge cost.

A French media report had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice.

Subsequently, the Congress and other Opposition parties have stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the deal.

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement.

P Chidambaram Monday sought to know why the BJP-led NDA government was buying so few Rafale fighter jets if they were cheaper as claimed by it. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting, he said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had decided to buy 126 Rafale aircraft and entered into an agreement. But, the present government had cancelled it and inked a new deal. "They claimed that the fighter jet was cheaper...In that case, they should tell how they (jets) are cheaper...They are not revealing... Besides if the cost of the plane is cheaper then why not buy more jets? why is the government buying only 36 jets?," the former Union minister said. Alleging that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was "not aware of anything", he said in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime, three Union ministers have been taking care of the defence portfolio. "None of them did a proper job," Chidambaram said. Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government was buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime. In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets, scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft, on grounds of huge cost. A French media report had quoted former French president Francois Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice. Subsequently, the Congress and other Opposition parties have stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the deal.

Why is NDA government buying so few Rafale fighter jets, asks P Chidambaram

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public.

Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns.

This has happened not only in the current government's time, but also during the tenure of previous governments, he said.

Singh alleged that the Opposition leaders' demand to make details of the deal public was not practical and they were making efforts to come to power by spreading lies and misleading the people.

The Union minister said the Centre had strongly checked the Naxal movement and the security forces were successful in controlling their activities, he said.

Singh added that an integrated border security system was being implemented to secure and strengthen the borders of the country as it was not possible to secure the 22,000-km long land-and-water borders of the country with wires.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public. Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the Opposition of misleading the people by demanding that the details of the Rafale deal be made public. Addressing a rally in Haryana's Ambala district, Singh said all details regarding that Rafale fighter jet deal could not be made public in view of the security concerns. This has happened not only in the current government's time, but also during the tenure of previous governments, he said. Singh alleged that the Opposition leaders' demand to make details of the deal public was not practical and they were making efforts to come to power by spreading lies and misleading the people. The Union minister said the Centre had strongly checked the Naxal movement and the security forces were successful in controlling their activities, he said. Singh added that an integrated border security system was being implemented to secure and strengthen the borders of the country as it was not possible to secure the 22,000-km long land-and-water borders of the country with wires.

Opposition misleading people on Rafale deal: Rajnath Singh

Whether it accepts it or not, the furore over the Rafale fighter jet with France's Dassault has become a problem, a big one, for the BJP-led NDA government. 
 
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared it to be a "perception problem" and in what seems like an eerie coincidence, the name of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, has cropped up as "one who failed to get a cut" and therefore an interested party in the deal in which Congress president Rahul Gandhi accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dubiously bringing in Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as Dassault's partner.

In this war of mostly noisy and pointless TV news show debates, it has become fashionable to throw cow dung in return for bull droppings. But we must learn to look beyond these to ask some hard questions:

&nbsp;1. Why was the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) sidestepped by its sole shareholder, the government of India, all of a sudden?&nbsp;

&nbsp;2.&nbsp; Since Anil Ambani publicly announced an Rs 30,000-crore revenue opportunity from the Dassault "offset" partnership, is there not a need to ask how his company there got in the first place without any bidding involved?

&nbsp;3. Why would a former president of a G-20 country, Francois Hollande, say the Indian government played a role in Dassault's choice of partner?

4. If Dassault added features to its fighters while cutting down the number of jets in the deal to 36 from 126, and it was indeed because of a secrecy clause linked to sweetheart features for India's added security, does that not set a secrecy precedent for any defence deal where any future government can escape the scrutiny of auditors, Parliament or media by citing a secrecy clause? How does that weigh in with a culture of transparency to cut corruption?

I would look for best practices to guide us in these matters. When the government is itself in the dock, it is best to look at global practices to arrive at an idea of fair play because the rule-makers cannot be judged on the basis of their own rules when they are themselves the purchasers.

In 2012, the European Court of Justice in a landmark ruling "significantly restricted the ability of EU governments to use sole-source or negotiated procedures with selected suppliers for purchases of defence and security equipment."

The ECJ ruled that procurement agencies "must" use competitive tendering procedures unless the supplies have been specially designed or modified for military use and the procurement involved an "essential national security interest."

Now, the NDA government is citing both modifications of supplies and essential national security interest among the reasons for the less-than-transparent Rafale deal, but it is pertinent to ask if a government in a democracy that runs under institutional supervision can be its own judge.

The fact of the matter is that "offset" deals forming part of defence purchases to aid local suppliers are a regular part of defence contracts. If the main purchase is an apple, the offset part is an orange. But the key point to note is that both the apple of the fighter jet and the orange of the offset components are paid for by the same taxpayer. If you follow the money, the government of India has both the right and the duty to determine the offset partner. A public purchase cannot be subject to the same rules as a private purchase.

Therefore, a statement by the government made last week that it had no role in Dassault's choice of partner is in itself questionable. In coal linkages for power plants, the NDA government reversed the UPA's policies and set the tone for auctions. In the case of 2G spectrum, the Supreme Court supervised auctions even before the NDA came to power.

Should not the logic that was applied to 2G spectrum and coal applied to defence offsets as well? The Reliance Defence contract falls into the "sole source" category ECJ mentions above and goes against the principle of transparency.&nbsp;

No wonder the Congress has been talking of either a parliamentary probe into the Rafale deal or a Comptroller and Auditor General report.

The Supreme Court is looking into a public interest litigation that is due for hearing on October 10. Don't expect a miracle there, but I do anticipate the honourable judges to ask some sharp questions on transparency -- enough to give the Congress ammunition in an election year. If national interest is monitored solely by a political leadership in power and kept outside other institutions, it does raise hard questions.

However, the fact is that Congress is not overly confident of getting Supreme Court support. A senior Congress source told me it was not keen on the PIL track as it did not "want to lose the narrative." Between the Congress party's 'narrative' and the BJP's 'perception problem' true insights may yet come from the CAG and/or the Supreme Court.

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/not-just-a-perception-problem-rafale-deal-could-set-a-bad-precedent-2143942.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Whether it accepts it or not, the furore over the Rafale fighter jet with France's Dassault has become a problem, a big one, for the BJP-led NDA government. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared it to be a "perception problem" and in what seems like an eerie coincidence, the name of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, has cropped up as "one who failed to get a cut" and therefore an interested party in the deal in which Congress president Rahul Gandhi accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dubiously bringing in Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as Dassault's partner.

Whether it accepts it or not, the furore over the Rafale fighter jet with France's Dassault has become a problem, a big one, for the BJP-led NDA government. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared it to be a "perception problem" and in what seems like an eerie coincidence, the name of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, has cropped up as "one who failed to get a cut" and therefore an interested party in the deal in which Congress president Rahul Gandhi accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dubiously bringing in Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as Dassault's partner. In this war of mostly noisy and pointless TV news show debates, it has become fashionable to throw cow dung in return for bull droppings. But we must learn to look beyond these to ask some hard questions: 1. Why was the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) sidestepped by its sole shareholder, the government of India, all of a sudden? 2. Since Anil Ambani publicly announced an Rs 30,000-crore revenue opportunity from the Dassault "offset" partnership, is there not a need to ask how his company there got in the first place without any bidding involved? 3. Why would a former president of a G-20 country, Francois Hollande, say the Indian government played a role in Dassault's choice of partner? 4. If Dassault added features to its fighters while cutting down the number of jets in the deal to 36 from 126, and it was indeed because of a secrecy clause linked to sweetheart features for India's added security, does that not set a secrecy precedent for any defence deal where any future government can escape the scrutiny of auditors, Parliament or media by citing a secrecy clause? How does that weigh in with a culture of transparency to cut corruption? I would look for best practices to guide us in these matters. When the government is itself in the dock, it is best to look at global practices to arrive at an idea of fair play because the rule-makers cannot be judged on the basis of their own rules when they are themselves the purchasers. In 2012, the European Court of Justice in a landmark ruling "significantly restricted the ability of EU governments to use sole-source or negotiated procedures with selected suppliers for purchases of defence and security equipment." The ECJ ruled that procurement agencies "must" use competitive tendering procedures unless the supplies have been specially designed or modified for military use and the procurement involved an "essential national security interest." Now, the NDA government is citing both modifications of supplies and essential national security interest among the reasons for the less-than-transparent Rafale deal, but it is pertinent to ask if a government in a democracy that runs under institutional supervision can be its own judge. The fact of the matter is that "offset" deals forming part of defence purchases to aid local suppliers are a regular part of defence contracts. If the main purchase is an apple, the offset part is an orange. But the key point to note is that both the apple of the fighter jet and the orange of the offset components are paid for by the same taxpayer. If you follow the money, the government of India has both the right and the duty to determine the offset partner. A public purchase cannot be subject to the same rules as a private purchase. Therefore, a statement by the government made last week that it had no role in Dassault's choice of partner is in itself questionable. In coal linkages for power plants, the NDA government reversed the UPA's policies and set the tone for auctions. In the case of 2G spectrum, the Supreme Court supervised auctions even before the NDA came to power. Should not the logic that was applied to 2G spectrum and coal applied to defence offsets as well? The Reliance Defence contract falls into the "sole source" category ECJ mentions above and goes against the principle of transparency. No wonder the Congress has been talking of either a parliamentary probe into the Rafale deal or a Comptroller and Auditor General report. The Supreme Court is looking into a public interest litigation that is due for hearing on October 10. Don't expect a miracle there, but I do anticipate the honourable judges to ask some sharp questions on transparency -- enough to give the Congress ammunition in an election year. If national interest is monitored solely by a political leadership in power and kept outside other institutions, it does raise hard questions. However, the fact is that Congress is not overly confident of getting Supreme Court support. A senior Congress source told me it was not keen on the PIL track as it did not "want to lose the narrative." Between the Congress party's 'narrative' and the BJP's 'perception problem' true insights may yet come from the CAG and/or the Supreme Court. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rafale deal could set a bad precedent

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron reacted on the Rafale deal row describing it as a "government-to-government" discussion, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, Macron also stated that he was not in power when the multi-billion dollar agreement for 36 fighter jets was signed between India and France.

"I will be very clear. It was a government-to-government discussion and I just want to refer to what Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi very clearly said a few days ago," Macron, who became French President in May last year, told reporters here Tuesday without elaborating.

"I don't have any other comment. I was not in charge at that time and I know that we have very clear rules," he said in his first comment on the issue.

Macron was answering a query on whether or not the Indian government, at any point, had told France or Dassault - the French aerospace major - that they had to accept Reliance as the Indian partner for the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

"This one is very important to me because this is a strategic" coalition and not just an industrial relation. "That is my point. I just want to refer to what PM Modi said on this situation," he said.

A controversy around the Rafale deal erupted when French media quoted former president Francois Hollande as saying that the selection of the Indian company in the Rafale deal was done at the behest of New Delhi.

Hollande said that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for the French aerospace giant in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice.

The report quoted Hollande as saying, "It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us."

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party recently raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while promoting "crony capitalism" and causing a loss to the public exchequer.

Prime Minister Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after holding talks with the French president Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.

The French government has said it was in no manner involved in the choice of Indian industrial partners.

In its statement, Dassault Aviation said the contract for the supply of 36 Rafale jets is a government-to-government agreement, adding "It provides for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation commits to making compensation investments (offsets) in India worth 50 per cent of the value of the purchase."

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron reacted on the Rafale deal row describing it as a "government-to-government" discussion, news agency PTI reported.

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron reacted on the Rafale deal row describing it as a "government-to-government" discussion, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, Macron also stated that he was not in power when the multi-billion dollar agreement for 36 fighter jets was signed between India and France. "I will be very clear. It was a government-to-government discussion and I just want to refer to what Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi very clearly said a few days ago," Macron, who became French President in May last year, told reporters here Tuesday without elaborating. "I don't have any other comment. I was not in charge at that time and I know that we have very clear rules," he said in his first comment on the issue. Macron was answering a query on whether or not the Indian government, at any point, had told France or Dassault - the French aerospace major - that they had to accept Reliance as the Indian partner for the Rafale deal. India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019. "This one is very important to me because this is a strategic" coalition and not just an industrial relation. "That is my point. I just want to refer to what PM Modi said on this situation," he said. A controversy around the Rafale deal erupted when French media quoted former president Francois Hollande as saying that the selection of the Indian company in the Rafale deal was done at the behest of New Delhi. Hollande said that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as the partner for the French aerospace giant in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal and France did not have a choice. The report quoted Hollande as saying, "It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us." Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party recently raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while promoting "crony capitalism" and causing a loss to the public exchequer. Prime Minister Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after holding talks with the French president Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The French government has said it was in no manner involved in the choice of Indian industrial partners. In its statement, Dassault Aviation said the contract for the supply of 36 Rafale jets is a government-to-government agreement, adding "It provides for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation commits to making compensation investments (offsets) in India worth 50 per cent of the value of the purchase." (With inputs from PTI)

'I  want to refer to what PM Modi said on Rafale deal,' says French President Macron 

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal.

"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated.

The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media.

However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters.

In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner.

The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal.

The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier.

The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated. The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media. However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters. In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation. However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner. The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal. The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier. The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

The fun has just begun: Rahul Gandhi on Rafale controversy

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice.

The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.”

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.”

“The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said.

Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities.

According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said.

He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal.

“The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance.

“The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded.

The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”. The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice. The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.” Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.” “The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said. Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities. According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said. He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal. “The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance. “The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded. The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Francois Hollande’s remarks prove Rafale a big scam: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-opec-lower-oil-prices-says-we-protect-middle-east-166877">Trump tells OPEC to lower oil prices, says 'we protect Middle East'</a>

President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh call on the OPEC oil cartel to lower crude prices, saying the United States was providing Middle Eastern energy giants with security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-dismiss-support-political-campaigns-ahead-elections-166895">Facebook to dismiss support for political campaigns ahead of elections</a> 
 
Facebook Inc said on Thursday that it would no longer dispatch employees to the offices of political campaigns to offer support ahead of elections, as it did with US President Donald Trump in the 2016 race.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-differences-between-hal-dassault-led-collapse-talks-166907">Rafale deal: Differences between HAL, Dassault led to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-differences-between-hal-dassault-led-collapse-talks-166907">collapse</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-differences-between-hal-dassault-led-collapse-talks-166907"> of talks</a> 
 
Disagreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aviation led to the collapse of negotiations between the two in the Rafale fighter plane deal during the UPA term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/accuser-trumps-court-nominee-sets-conditions-testifying-166900">Accuser of Trump's court nominee sets conditions for testifying</a>

A lawyer for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's US Supreme Court nominee, of sexual assault told a Senate panel on Thursday the professor will not testify on Monday as Republicans want but would be willing to appear sometime next week if certain terms are met.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-support-its-transition-higher-middle-income-country-0">World Bank endorses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-support-its-transition-higher-middle-income-country-0">plan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-support-its-transition-higher-middle-income-country-0"> for India to support its transition to higher middle-income country</a>

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2022, the World Bank board Friday endorsed an ambitious five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for India, which aligns with New Delhi's objectives of high, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Trump tells OPEC to lower oil prices, says 'we protect Middle East' President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh call on the OPEC oil cartel to lower crude prices, saying the United States was providing Middle Eastern energy giants with security.

Trump tells OPEC to lower oil prices, says 'we protect Middle East' President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a fresh call on the OPEC oil cartel to lower crude prices, saying the United States was providing Middle Eastern energy giants with security. Facebook to dismiss support for political campaigns ahead of elections Facebook Inc said on Thursday that it would no longer dispatch employees to the offices of political campaigns to offer support ahead of elections, as it did with US President Donald Trump in the 2016 race. Rafale deal: Differences between HAL, Dassault led to collapse of talks Disagreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aviation led to the collapse of negotiations between the two in the Rafale fighter plane deal during the UPA term. Accuser of Trump's court nominee sets conditions for testifying A lawyer for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's US Supreme Court nominee, of sexual assault told a Senate panel on Thursday the professor will not testify on Monday as Republicans want but would be willing to appear sometime next week if certain terms are met. World Bank endorses plan for India to support its transition to higher middle-income country A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2022, the World Bank board Friday endorsed an ambitious five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for India, which aligns with New Delhi's objectives of high, sustainable and inclusive growth.

News brief: Big stories of the day 

Airbus and Dassault Aviation have signed an initial agreement to cooperate on Europe's Future Air Combat System (FCAS), the two companies said on Wednesday.

They are awaiting details from the French and German governments on the exact requirements for the programme, which is set to include a fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles, connectivity and secure communications.

"It's a really important moment to stabilise the European defence industry and work together in a structured manner," Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke told reporters at the Berlin air show.

Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, and officials from the two countries will sign an outline document on the sidelines of the show, military sources said on Tuesday.

The two companies want to ensure that Europe retains control over its future weapons systems, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation said.

"I don't feel that if other European countries buy off the shelf American products that you contribute to strategic autonomy," Trappier said.

Whether the French and German governments decide to involve Britain in future projects would likely depend on the conditions around its exit from the European Union, Hoke said.

France is working with Britain on an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, but that project has not yet progressed as expected.

"It was supposed to go up to the extent of joint demonstrator. For some reason this has not yet been decided," Trappier said.

He said the Franco-German cooperation was different, with it being for a larger system for a manned fighter, whereas the Franco-British project was for an unmanned aircraft.

The two companies have not yet announced who will lead the partnership for the Franco-German FCAS. Trappier said they would each decide who had the best skills and competencies to lead each part of the system.

"The role on both sides is to find the right compromises. If we play egos we will end up with a project that won't be successful," Hoke said.

Airbus and Dassault said it was important for France and Germany to launch an initial joint study this year so they could get demonstrators done for 2025.

The fighter aircraft will replace the current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale aircraft.

Trappier said it would not be a copy of the US&nbspF-35 fighter, but would be more ambitious.

Hoke said if Germany decided to buy the F-35 to replace its Tornados, that would mean the FCAS would no longer be feasible.

Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040

Airbus and Dassault Aviation have signed an initial agreement to cooperate on Europe's Future Air Combat System (FCAS), the two companies said on Wednesday. They are awaiting details from the French and German governments on the exact requirements for the programme, which is set to include a fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles, connectivity and secure communications. "It's a really important moment to stabilise the European defence industry and work together in a structured manner," Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke told reporters at the Berlin air show. Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, and officials from the two countries will sign an outline document on the sidelines of the show, military sources said on Tuesday. The two companies want to ensure that Europe retains control over its future weapons systems, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation said. "I don't feel that if other European countries buy off the shelf American products that you contribute to strategic autonomy," Trappier said. Whether the French and German governments decide to involve Britain in future projects would likely depend on the conditions around its exit from the European Union, Hoke said. France is working with Britain on an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, but that project has not yet progressed as expected. "It was supposed to go up to the extent of joint demonstrator. For some reason this has not yet been decided," Trappier said. He said the Franco-German cooperation was different, with it being for a larger system for a manned fighter, whereas the Franco-British project was for an unmanned aircraft. The two companies have not yet announced who will lead the partnership for the Franco-German FCAS. Trappier said they would each decide who had the best skills and competencies to lead each part of the system. "The role on both sides is to find the right compromises. If we play egos we will end up with a project that won't be successful," Hoke said. Airbus and Dassault said it was important for France and Germany to launch an initial joint study this year so they could get demonstrators done for 2025. The fighter aircraft will replace the current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale aircraft. Trappier said it would not be a copy of the US&nbspF-35 fighter, but would be more ambitious. Hoke said if Germany decided to buy the F-35 to replace its Tornados, that would mean the FCAS would no longer be feasible.

Airbus, Dassault to jointly produce fighter jets, UAVs

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday.

The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites.

The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said.

Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

A presidency source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday. The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites. The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said. Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. (With inputs from Reuters)

French Mirage, Rafale jets and frigates involved in Syria strikes: Source

Congress president Rahul<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikar-was-buying-fish-when-pm-modi-changed-rafale-contract-rahul-gandhi-34150"> Gandhi today hit out at&nbsp;that the UPA</a> had negotiated the deal for &quot;526 crores per plane&quot; but the Modi government paid 1,670 crores.

This is not the first time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-gave-rafale-contract-to-his-friend-rahul-gandhi-32416">the Congress president has </a>taken a swipe at the Modi government over the Rafale deal. He had earlier taken a dig at defence minister&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue and had asked her to &quot;come clean&quot;.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The UPA negotiates the RAFALE down to 526 Cr. per plane. But Modi ji pays 1,670 Cr. instead. Loss to exchequer, over 40,000 Cr. 
 
RM&#39;s response? 
We paid &quot;our&quot; price. 
Who cares about &quot;their&quot; price? 
 
Answer: The PEOPLE care <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleScam</a>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/975673350365294592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Rahul Gandhi in his tweet alleged that the Modi government&#39;s negotiations after the NDA took up the deal led to a loss of 40,000 crore.

The Congress president then cryptically noted: RM&#39;s response? We paid &quot;our&quot; price. Who cares about &quot;their&quot; price?

Answer: The people care

This is not the first time the Congress president has taken a swipe at the Modi government over the Rafale deal.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today hit out at that the UPA had negotiated the deal for "526 crores per plane" but the Modi government paid 1,670 crores. This is not the first time the Congress president has taken a swipe at the Modi government over the Rafale deal. He had earlier taken a dig at defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue and had asked her to "come clean". The UPA negotiates the RAFALE down to 526 Cr. per plane. But Modi ji pays 1,670 Cr. instead. Loss to exchequer, over 40,000 Cr. RM's response? We paid "our" price. Who cares about "their" price? Answer: The PEOPLE care #RafaleScam — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 19, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi in his tweet alleged that the Modi government's negotiations after the NDA took up the deal led to a loss of 40,000 crore. The Congress president then cryptically noted: RM's response? We paid "our" price. Who cares about "their" price? Answer: The people care

Loss to exchequer on Rafale deal over 40,000 crore, tweets Rahul Gandhi

Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft.

&quot;Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here,&quot; Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way.

Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday.

&quot;I will welcome it (if Congress raises it),&quot; she said.

The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore.

Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process.

They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the &quot;overarching&quot; assessment of the jet.

There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army&#39;s procurement of artillery guns.

Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the

Modi government&#39;s per aircraft negotiated price of&nbsp; $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates.

The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning.

However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime.

The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them.

The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact.

In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as &quot;unfounded&quot; allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was &quot;unrealistic&quot; as doing so might compromise India&#39;s national security.

It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet.

The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday

Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft. "Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here," Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way. Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday. "I will welcome it (if Congress raises it)," she said. The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process. They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the "overarching" assessment of the jet. There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army's procurement of artillery guns. Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime. The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them. The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact. In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security. It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet. The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.

No question of Rafale deal going the Bofors way: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Government of India on Wednesday gave detailed clarification on the Rafale deal controversy and said the opposition is misleading the country.

On Tuesday, the Congress posed eight questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deal.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister personally went to Paris and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-alleges-scam-in-rafale-deal-32007" target="_blank">changed the deal</a>.

The Centre said it was issuing clarification over the 2016 Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to procure 36 Rafale aircraft in fly-away condition from France because the opposition was misleading nation on a serious matter of national security.

&quot;In another effort to twist facts, the Government is asked why it did not conduct negotiations with a particular company representing a competing fighter aircraft. It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the then Government itself had rejected that company&#39;s unsolicited offer made days after closure of the bid process, declared Rafale (DA) as the L1 bidder and had commenced negotiations with it in February 2012,&quot; the Centre said in a statement.

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<h5>In another effort to twist facts, the Government is asked why it did not conduct negotiations with a particular company representing a competing fighter aircraft. It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the then Government itself had rejected that company&#39;s unsolicited offer made days after closure of the bid process, declared Rafale (DA) as the L1 bidder and had commenced negotiations with it in February 2012,&#39; the Centre said in a statement</h5>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=In another effort to twist facts, the Government is asked why it did not conduct negotiations with a particular company representing a competing fighter aircraft. It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the then Government itself had rejected that company's unsolicited offer made days after closure of the bid process, declared Rafale (DA) as the L1 bidder and had commenced negotiations with it in February 2012,' the Centre said in a statement" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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The Government of India further termed the demand to disclose details and value of the Rafale aircraft as &quot;unrealistic&quot;.

&quot;The demand that the Government disclose the details and value of the contract for the Rafale aircraft contracted in 2016 is unrealistic. [In keeping with confidentiality requirements, the UPA Government had also expressed its inability to disclose the price of various defence procurements, including in its responses to Parliament Questions],&quot; the statement said.

The Centre also said the Opposition&#39;s demand to disclose exact item-wise cost and other information will impact military preparedness and compromise national security.

&quot;The approximate acquisition cost of the Rafale aircraft has already been provided to the Parliament. Provision of exact item-wise cost and other information will reveal, inter alia, details regarding the various customizations and weapons systems specially designed to augment the effectiveness and lethality of the assets, impact our military preparedness and compromise our national security,&quot; said the Union Government.

It added that &quot;such details would also come under the ambit of the security agreement signed in 2008. Thus, in not revealing the item-wise details of the contract, the Government is merely following in letter and spirit the confidentiality provisions of a bilateral India-France Agreement of 2008 signed by the previous Government&quot;.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government also said its deal is much better than that of previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

&quot;The deal secured by the Government is better in terms of capability, price, equipment, delivery, maintenance, training, etc., than that notionally negotiated by the then Government in a process it could not conclude in ten years. Moreover, the present Government completed these negotiations in just about one year,&quot; said the NDA government.

The government also stressed that 36 Rafale aircrafts were procured to meet the urgent need of the Indian Air Force strictly in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure.

&quot;The procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft to meet the urgent need of the IAF is strictly in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure in all aspects including mandating, conducting and monitoring of negotiations and seeking all necessary approvals, including that of the Cabinet Committee on Security, before entering into the IGA. The aircraft had already been evaluated successfully by IAF during 2009-10,&quot; said the statement.

On the issue of transfer of technology, the government said, &quot;It may also be noted that contrary to the impression sought, to be created by the Opposition, in the earlier proposal to procure Rafale, which ended in a stalemate, there was no provision for transfer of technology but only to manufacture under licence. The Government was unable to agree on the terms for even that in its negotiations with the vendor, resulting in the long-drawn exercise under the earlier Government ultimately turning futile.&quot;

Reacting to the Congress allegation on why an Indian private company with zero experience in aviation was chosen as an offset partner to manufacture Rafale jets, the MoD said no offset partners has been selected so far.

&quot;Further, no Indian Offset Partner for the 2016 deal for 36 Rafale Aircraft has been so far selected by the vendor (DA) because as per the applicable guidelines, DA is free to select the Indian Offset Partners and provide their details at the time of seeking offset credits, or one year prior to discharge of offset obligation,&quot; it said. (ANI)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi had on Tuesday alleged a 'scam' in the deal

The Government of India on Wednesday gave detailed clarification on the Rafale deal controversy and said the opposition is misleading the country. On Tuesday, the Congress posed eight questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deal. Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister personally went to Paris and changed the deal. The Centre said it was issuing clarification over the 2016 Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to procure 36 Rafale aircraft in fly-away condition from France because the opposition was misleading nation on a serious matter of national security. "In another effort to twist facts, the Government is asked why it did not conduct negotiations with a particular company representing a competing fighter aircraft. It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the then Government itself had rejected that company's unsolicited offer made days after closure of the bid process, declared Rafale (DA) as the L1 bidder and had commenced negotiations with it in February 2012," the Centre said in a statement. In another effort to twist facts, the Government is asked why it did not conduct negotiations with a particular company representing a competing fighter aircraft. It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the then Government itself had rejected that company's unsolicited offer made days after closure of the bid process, declared Rafale (DA) as the L1 bidder and had commenced negotiations with it in February 2012,' the Centre said in a statement × The Government of India further termed the demand to disclose details and value of the Rafale aircraft as "unrealistic". "The demand that the Government disclose the details and value of the contract for the Rafale aircraft contracted in 2016 is unrealistic. [In keeping with confidentiality requirements, the UPA Government had also expressed its inability to disclose the price of various defence procurements, including in its responses to Parliament Questions]," the statement said. The Centre also said the Opposition's demand to disclose exact item-wise cost and other information will impact military preparedness and compromise national security. "The approximate acquisition cost of the Rafale aircraft has already been provided to the Parliament. Provision of exact item-wise cost and other information will reveal, inter alia, details regarding the various customizations and weapons systems specially designed to augment the effectiveness and lethality of the assets, impact our military preparedness and compromise our national security," said the Union Government. It added that "such details would also come under the ambit of the security agreement signed in 2008. Thus, in not revealing the item-wise details of the contract, the Government is merely following in letter and spirit the confidentiality provisions of a bilateral India-France Agreement of 2008 signed by the previous Government". The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government also said its deal is much better than that of previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. "The deal secured by the Government is better in terms of capability, price, equipment, delivery, maintenance, training, etc., than that notionally negotiated by the then Government in a process it could not conclude in ten years. Moreover, the present Government completed these negotiations in just about one year," said the NDA government. The government also stressed that 36 Rafale aircrafts were procured to meet the urgent need of the Indian Air Force strictly in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure. "The procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft to meet the urgent need of the IAF is strictly in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure in all aspects including mandating, conducting and monitoring of negotiations and seeking all necessary approvals, including that of the Cabinet Committee on Security, before entering into the IGA. The aircraft had already been evaluated successfully by IAF during 2009-10," said the statement. On the issue of transfer of technology, the government said, "It may also be noted that contrary to the impression sought, to be created by the Opposition, in the earlier proposal to procure Rafale, which ended in a stalemate, there was no provision for transfer of technology but only to manufacture under licence. The Government was unable to agree on the terms for even that in its negotiations with the vendor, resulting in the long-drawn exercise under the earlier Government ultimately turning futile." Reacting to the Congress allegation on why an Indian private company with zero experience in aviation was chosen as an offset partner to manufacture Rafale jets, the MoD said no offset partners has been selected so far. "Further, no Indian Offset Partner for the 2016 deal for 36 Rafale Aircraft has been so far selected by the vendor (DA) because as per the applicable guidelines, DA is free to select the Indian Offset Partners and provide their details at the time of seeking offset credits, or one year prior to discharge of offset obligation," it said. (ANI)

Opposition misleading country over Rafale deal: Government

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday&nbsp;hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was &quot;shameful&quot; that her boss was &quot;silencing&quot; her.

Mr Gandhi&#39;s retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal.

He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris.

The Congress had raised several questions on the deal, accusing the government of compromising national interest and security while promoting &quot;crony capitalism&quot; and causing a loss to the public exchequer.

&quot;Dear RM, what&#39;s shameful is your boss silencing you. Please tell us: 1. Final price of each Rafale jet? 2. Did PM take CCS permission before announcing purchase in Paris? 3. Why PM bypassed experienced HAL and gave the deal to AA rated businessman with no defence experience?&quot; Mr Gandhi tweeted.

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Dear RM, what&rsquo;s shameful is your boss silencing you. Please tell us : 
1. Final price of each Rafale jet? 
2. Did PM take CCS permission before announcing purchase in Paris? 
3. Why PM bypassed experienced HAL &amp; gave the deal to AA rated businessman with no defence experience?
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/931829739873898496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Congress and the BJP have exchanged barbs over the multi-crore Rafale fighter aircraft deal.

While the Congress was alleging that a scam was brewing in the deal, the BJP claimed that the renegotiated deal was transparent and better than the deal negotiated by the previous UPA government.

India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs. 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after the Prime Minister announced the proposal during a visit to Paris.

The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

Mr Gandhi's retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was "shameful" that her boss was "silencing" her. Mr Gandhi's retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal. He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris. The Congress had raised several questions on the deal, accusing the government of compromising national interest and security while promoting "crony capitalism" and causing a loss to the public exchequer. "Dear RM, what's shameful is your boss silencing you. Please tell us: 1. Final price of each Rafale jet? 2. Did PM take CCS permission before announcing purchase in Paris? 3. Why PM bypassed experienced HAL and gave the deal to AA rated businessman with no defence experience?" Mr Gandhi tweeted. Dear RM, what’s shameful is your boss silencing you. Please tell us : 1. Final price of each Rafale jet? 2. Did PM take CCS permission before announcing purchase in Paris? 3. Why PM bypassed experienced HAL & gave the deal to AA rated businessman with no defence experience? — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 18, 2017 × The Congress and the BJP have exchanged barbs over the multi-crore Rafale fighter aircraft deal. While the Congress was alleging that a scam was brewing in the deal, the BJP claimed that the renegotiated deal was transparent and better than the deal negotiated by the previous UPA government. India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs. 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after the Prime Minister announced the proposal during a visit to Paris. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

Your boss silencing you is 'shameful': Rahul Gandhi to Nirmala Sitharaman

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Friday that the allegations against the Rafale deal were &quot;shameful&quot; and a &quot;disservice&quot; to the country&#39;s armed forces.&nbsp;

Sitharaman&#39;s remarks came a day after Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of changing the &quot;entire deal&quot; for the benefit of one businessman. &nbsp;

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Can you explain &quot;Reliance&quot; on someone with nil experience in aerospace for Rafale deal?
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/930995047436185600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Self &quot;Reliance&quot; is obviously a critical aspect of &quot;Make in India.&quot;
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India is buying 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged the deal is overpriced, and that there is a scam brewing.&nbsp;

And that the deal was changed to benefit Anil Ambani&#39;s Reliance Defence Limited.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to the French government about the jets during his April 2015 visit to Paris.&nbsp;

The final agreement for the jets was signed in 2016.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged that the planes are being bought at three times the price the former UPA government had negotiated with France.&nbsp;

The 36 Rafale jets are going to cost India Rs 58,000 crore.

The Congress says the UPA government had negotiated a $10.2 billion deal for the acquisition of 126 Rafale jets while the NDA government renegotiated the deal down to $8.7 billion -- but for just 36 fighters.

Sitharaman retorted Friday that the Congress had sat on the deal for 10 years -- at the cost of national security.&nbsp;

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Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> : &quot; The present govt addressed the vacuum in our national security structure created by the indecisiveness of 10 yr long UPA regime by immediately procuring 36 aircraft in a fly-away condition&quot; (1)
&mdash; Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/931494883226824706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;This (delay) potentially compromised national security interests,&quot; the minister was quoted as saying.

Sitharaman added Friday that the deal was signed after five rounds of discussions between the Indian and French sides, and approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security.&nbsp;

&quot;These allegations are shameful...The deal was finalised following a transparent procedure,&quot; PTI reported Sitharaman as telling reporters.

Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhano had on Thursday also weighed in on the controversy, saying he did not understand what it was about.&nbsp;

&quot;This is a cheaper deal,&quot; he had said.&nbsp;

The Congress has alleged the deal -- India is buying 36 Rafale fighter jets from France -- is overpriced, and that there is a scam brewing

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Friday that the allegations against the Rafale deal were "shameful" and a "disservice" to the country's armed forces. Sitharaman's remarks came a day after Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of changing the "entire deal" for the benefit of one businessman. Can you explain "Reliance" on someone with nil experience in aerospace for Rafale deal? — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 16, 2017 × Self "Reliance" is obviously a critical aspect of "Make in India." — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 16, 2017 × India is buying 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. The Congress has alleged the deal is overpriced, and that there is a scam brewing. And that the deal was changed to benefit Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to the French government about the jets during his April 2015 visit to Paris. The final agreement for the jets was signed in 2016. The Congress has alleged that the planes are being bought at three times the price the former UPA government had negotiated with France. The 36 Rafale jets are going to cost India Rs 58,000 crore. The Congress says the UPA government had negotiated a $10.2 billion deal for the acquisition of 126 Rafale jets while the NDA government renegotiated the deal down to $8.7 billion -- but for just 36 fighters. Sitharaman retorted Friday that the Congress had sat on the deal for 10 years -- at the cost of national security. Smt @nsitharaman on #Rafale : " The present govt addressed the vacuum in our national security structure created by the indecisiveness of 10 yr long UPA regime by immediately procuring 36 aircraft in a fly-away condition" (1) — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) November 17, 2017 × "This (delay) potentially compromised national security interests," the minister was quoted as saying. Sitharaman added Friday that the deal was signed after five rounds of discussions between the Indian and French sides, and approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security. "These allegations are shameful...The deal was finalised following a transparent procedure," PTI reported Sitharaman as telling reporters. Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhano had on Thursday also weighed in on the controversy, saying he did not understand what it was about. "This is a cheaper deal," he had said.

Allegations against Rafale deal 'shameful', 'disservice' to armed forces: Nirmala Sitharaman

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