008 France knows its priorities

Topics for discussion: 008, Aircraft Trade, Rafale

Mr. Laurent Fabius is the 2014 Foreign Minister of France. He visited India and met Ms. Sushma Swaraj, India's Foreign Minister, in June 2014 and shook hands with her. What for?

Answer: for selling fighter aircrafts.

SELLING AIRCRAFT

French firm Dassault Aviation SA is awaiting finalisation of a contract for supply of 126 Rafale fighter jets, valued at $10 billion, Rs. 600 billion. This seems to be pending since 2012. Mr. Laurent Fabius said:

“...we should see with the new government, which is particularly keen about efficiency and implementation of administrative decisions, that (decisions) that have been taken are implemented rapidly. ...”

"...Discussion is developing in a very positive way and ... we are very confident in the final outcome..."

"... It is fair that for complex matters it takes some time, but there is a difference between some time and too long..."

"... The notion of efficiency - which is very important if I understand correctly, in the new government approach - is completely shared by us... "

SOME REVELATIONS

France will propose a €1-billion credit line over next three years for sustainable infrastructure & urban development in India through French Development Agency.

France may relax norms for issuance of French visa for Indians visiting France. Only 300,000 visitors to France are Indians, whereas total visitors stand at 45,000,000. Just .66% hey!

French President Francois Hollande may extend an official invitation to Mr. Narendra Modi to officially visit France.

ybrao-a-donkey's comments

France is a great business Nation. It knows its priorities.

India may open its economy to foreign investments in defence production sector.

There may be many intractable issues to be resolved.

There seem to be disagreements over cost and work-sharing.