Leak of classified documents cast shadow over future defence agreement with France
NEW DELHI: Suspected leak of classified documents on Indian navy’s submarine programme cast a shadow over the future defence agreement with France, as Indian government has ruled out leak from its side.
Major upcoming deal of multi- billion deal of 36 Rafale fighter jet with French firm Dassault and DRDO’s Short range surface to air missile project with MBDA besides other ongoing radar system projects may get hit. Sources claimed that if proven, it puts question mark on future defence pact with Franch it will have bearing on indo-France diplomatic relations.
“If it proves that leak has happened from French side, then it will surely have an impact on defence ties between the two nations.,” said a defence source.
Indian and France has been working hard to finalise the contract of 36 Rafale warplanes with approximate cost of Euro 7. 8 billion, which was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Paris in April 2015.
And DRDO’s project ‘Maitri’ to co-develop short range missiles with French company MBDA is also in the pipeline and was discussed in the recently concluded top acquisition body meeting of the defence ministry to expedite the project.