Rafale-deal: Macron says he wasn't in power during finalization
Diving into the controversy over Rafale Deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wasn't in power when the agreement was inked and maintained it was a government-to-government discussion. On the sidelines of UN General Assembly session, Macron spoke about the multi-billion dollar project, under which India would get 36 Rafale jets from the European country. Notably, a row has erupted over Reliance Defence's involvement in the project.
I was not in charge at that time: Macron
Giving his first comment on the issue, Macron said on Tuesday, "I will be very clear. It was a government-to-government discussion and I just want to refer to what Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi very clearly said a few days ago." "I was not in charge at that time and I know that we have very clear rules," he added.
About Rafale, Macron said it was important
Marcon, who took office in May last year, said this wasn't just an industrial relation but was important as it was strategic. "That is my point. I just want to refer to what PM Modi said on this situation," he said.
Comments of Macron's predecessor snowballed into controversy
Last week, a major controversy erupted after former President Francois Hollande said Reliance Defence was imposed on them. Hours later when he was asked again, if Reliance was forced on Dassault, the manufacturer, he said only they can answer it. Hollande's statements led to sharp criticism from the Opposition, and the BJP at Centre defended all charges.
