Source: CNN-IBN
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for his 3-nation visit of France, Canada, and Germany, CNN-IBN’s Executive Editor Zakka Jacob discussed the key issues between India and France with panel of experts, including Carnegie’s Frederic Grare.
The discussion began with India’s potential acquisition of Rafale fighter aircraft from French manufacturer Dassault. Grare explained that while the deal has been in the works for years, it increasingly appears as though it will fall through. Even if it were concluded, Grare raised the question of India's capacity to absorb the technology transfers that it would entail. Grare also discussed the potential sale of French radar technology to India for use in the Indian Ocean, seeing it as an important aspect of Indian and French convergence on ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean. Finally, Grare commented on the progress of nuclear negotiations with Iran and the consequences for India, cautioning that “a framework is not a deal.”