India has got the first Rafale Combat Jet acquired by the Indian Air Force.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today received the first Rafale combat jet aircraft at Production Unit of Dassault Aviation at Mérignac in France this evening. The ceremony coincides with the foundation day of the Indian Air Force as well as the Vijaya Dashami. The Defence Minister will take a sortie in the fighter jet.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh said, the ceremony indeed is a historic and landmark day for the Indian Armed Forces. He said, it signifies the depth of the strategic partnership between India and France.

French Minister for the Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly, Vice Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora, CEO of Dasault Aviation Éric Trappier were present on the occasion.

Prior to his visit to Mérignac, Mr Singh called on French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris. The Defence Minister discussed stronger India-France defence and strategic ties. Mr Singh welcomed France as an important strategic partner of India.He also met the Minister for the Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly and the Defence Advisor to the French President, Admiral Bernard Rogel.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said, the meeting with French President was very warm and productive. Both leaders resolved to take the relationship to the next higher level. Singh thanked President Macron for his strong support to further intensifying the strategic partnership between the two countries and for his support to the Make in India initiative.