Rafale deal will be quick one, says Parrikar

The multi-billion dollar Rafale fighter jet deal is expected to be a "quick one" because trading parties involved are two governments, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here on Monday.

He also confirmed that he and Jean-Yves Le Drian will set the ground for negotiations when the French Defence Minister arrives in India this week.

"We have already worked with France in past," Parrikar told reporters during a two-day visit to Goa.

"Since it is government to government procedure, the deal would be quick," the minister said, adding that negotiations would begin in May itself after the modalities for negotiations are finalised by the two defence ministers later this week.

"The government to government committee will be set up, which will then begin negotiations... The negotiations will start anytime in May and we have to conclude them as early as possible," Parrikar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to France last month, signed an agreement to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets for $6 billion.

Besides, Parrikar said after his meeting with the French defence minister a committee specially appointed by the two ministries would begin the formal negotiating process.