India is close to finalising a deal for dozens of Rafale fighter jets during its Prime Minister’s visit to France on Friday, four French officials said, an agreement that would come after three years of talks between the two countries on a larger contract.
Le Monde newspaper reported earlier on Friday that talks centred on the purchase of 63 Rafale jets for $7.7 billion.
A French diplomatic source said there could be an announcement as early as Friday evening but the deal could involve fewer planes: more than the 24 France sold to Egypt in February but fewer than 50.
“There were discussions that lasted throughout the night,” said a French government source, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the talks. “We are probably in the final straight. We have never been so close.”
Two other French sources said talks were continuing throughout Friday.
Indian officials confirmed a major push to reach an agreement to buy the Rafales during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
Talks have been going on for more than three years amid differences over pricing and local assembly for the planes, which are manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
The firm, whose shares were up 3.6 percent by 1526 GMT, declined to comment, as did the French presidency and the defence ministry.
