France has said it is “pretty optimistic” about the progress of the Rafale fighter aircraft deal.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said “things were developing smoothly.” In January 2012, French firm Dassault Aviation SA won the deal to supply 126 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force at a value of over $10 billion (₹50,000 crore).

Laurent also pointed out that this contract could be the stepping stone to developing a strong partnership in the defence domain which besides Rafale can also include missiles and helicopters. “It will make it possible to have a complete partnership between Indian and French industry,” he added.

On the issue of delay in defence projects despite decisions having been taken, the Minister said “we should see with the new government, which is particularly keen about efficiency and implementation of administrative decisions, that (decisions) that have been taken are implemented rapidly.”

The visiting dignitary indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit to Paris in September. Laurent said that he would be extending an invitation to Modi from French President Francois Hollande to pay an official visit to France at the earliest. He indicated that Modi might visit France on his way back from the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. The UNGA session takes place in September every year.

Easing visa norms

Fabius also announced that from January 3 next year getting a French visa for Indians will become easier.

He said the new procedures will enable Indians to obtain French visas within 48 hours.

France receives over 45 million visitors annually of which Indians account for about 300,000. France is keen to see an increase in the number of tourists from India.

The Minister announced that France will be proposing a €1-billion credit line over the next three years for sustainable infrastructure and urban development in India through the French Development Agency.

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