Will take in account law ministry recommendations on Rafale deal: Manohar Parrikar

5 Dariya News

New Delhi 03-May-2016

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said the law ministry has made certain observations on the Rafale deal, which will be taken into account by the government while signing the deal.According to sources, the law ministry has cautioned the government on some of the clauses in the draft inter-governmental agreement, including a clause on material breach.The law ministry also suggested that the liability clause should be stringent."Ministry of Law and Justice have made certain observations and the same will be adequately taken into account while finalising the IGA (inter governmental agreement), which is still under negotiations," Parrikar said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.The deal for purchasing 36 Rafale combat jets in fly-away condition was inked during the prime minister's visit to France in April last year.Both the sides also agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for supply of the aircraft.A Negotiating Team was then constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement and recommend a draft agreement. The meetings of the Indian Negotiations Team with the French side are underway.