India Clears French Submarine Deal as US Allies Court Modi
- Announcement comes as Modi’s visiting France for two days
- Deal follows a similar submarine pact with Germany recently
Indian navy officials attend the commissioning ceremony of a French made submarine in Mumbai.
Source: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
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India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of French submarines and fighter jets as the South Asian country diversifies purchases of military hardware beyond Russia and positions itself as a bulwark against China.
The council on Thursday approved the purchase of three Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale aircraft, whose price is still to be negotiated with the French government, India’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement.