New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday held a meeting with visiting French Defence Minister Florence Parly at Hyderabad House.
Minister Florence Parly was the chief guest for Rafale induction ceremony held earlier today at Air Force Station, Ambala.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly, among others, also witnessed the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony. The first five Rafale aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron, the "Golden Arrows". The aircraft had arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala from France on July 27, 2020.
Parly said it is a great pride to see the first five Rafale jets inducted in time in the Indian Air Force despite the COVID-19 crisis.
"We are particularly attentive to the respect of the delivery deadline. We will ensure this as France is determined to support the Indian Air Force to touch the sky with glory with the remaining 31 Rafale jets as soon as possible," she stated.
Read: IAF formally inducts Rafale jets at Ambala airbase
Earlier in the day, five Rafale fighter jets were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force at a glittering ceremony in the Ambala air base, in a major boost to India's air power capability at a time the country is engaged in a tense border row with China in eastern Ladakh.
A traditional 'sarva dharma puja', a ceremonial 'water cannon salute' to the Rafale jets and an aerial display featuring various breathtaking manoeuvres by the aircraft marked their induction into the 17 Squadron of the IAF.
(With inputs from agencies)
