Rafale talks to take one more month: defence sources

Defence Acquisition Council had this month given the go ahead for further negotiations

Talks between India and France about the Rafale fighter jets is going on at a "hectic" pace and is likely to be wrapped up in one month, top defence sources said.

"The talks have been very hectic. There are a lot of fine prints that both sides look into. The talks will most likely take one more month," defence sources told PTI.

"The French side is here three times every month and every effort is on to wrap up the talks fast," they said.

The Defence Acquisition Council had on September 1 given the go ahead for further negotiations for the purchase of 36 jets that had got stalled due to differences over a variety of issues.

India's insistence on 50% off-set clause, tweaking of weaponry technology and plans to set up two bases were among the sticking points that had cropped up during the talks that began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision to acquire the fighter jets during his trip to France in April.

If things proceed smoothly, a government-to-government agreement between India and France could be signed soon, paving the way for the final contract for the purchase of the aircraft.

Modi's decision to buy the jets, citing operational requirements of the IAF, had given a boost to the modernisation plans of the air force as the original deal for 126 Rafale jets through a tendering process was stuck for years.