09 September 2016

News Report: India Ready to Sign Rafale Contract With France for Reduced Price of Some $8Bln

India is set to sign a contract with France soon to pay a price cut to 7.25 billion euros (over $8 billion) for 36 Rafale jet fighters, local media reported on Thursday, citing an official source.

NEW DELH (Sputnik) — The initial price asked by France was estimated at 11.6 billion euros.

"Unless there are any unforeseen complications, the jet fighter contract should happen soon. The price has been substantially lowered after several rounds of tough negotiations," the source told The Economic Times newspaper. 

The deal is expected to be approved at the next meeting of India's Cabinet Committee on Security, according to the media outlet. 

The newspaper added that half of France's revenue from the deal would be invested in the Indian defense and aviation sectors in accordance with the contract. 

Rafale jets deal was announced in April 2015 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris but negotiations on pricing have protracted for over a year.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.