Governments had no say in Rafale offset decision: Defence Ministry

Vartha Bharati | 21-09-2018 | 19:56:00 IST

New Delhi, Sep 21 : Amid media reports of former French President Francois Hollande claiming that the Indian government suggested a particular private firm for Rafale offset contract, the Defence Ministry on Friday reiterated that neither government had any say in the "commercial decision".

"The report referring to former French president Mr. Hollande's statement that government of India insisted upon a particular firm as offset partner for the Dassault Aviation in Rafale is being verified," the Defence Ministry said in a tweet.

"It is reiterated that neither government of India nor French government had any say in the commercial decision," it said.

Hollande has been quoted by an article in French website "Mediapart" as claiming that the Indian government had asked the French government to nominate Reliance Defence as its India partner in the Rafale jet offset deal. "We did not have a say in this," Hollande was quoted by the website as saying. "The Indian government proposed this service group and Dassault negotiated with Ambani."

The opposition has been alleging that the Anil Ambani firm was favoured in the Rs 21,000 crore contract at the cost of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) despite the private firm having no prior experience in aerospace manufacturing.

The Narendra Modi government has repeatedly said it was Dassault that chose its India partner and that the government has had no say in the deal.

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Asha Bhosle hospitalised after cardiac arrest; undergoing treatment in Mumbai

11-04-2026 ¦ 11-04-2026 IST

Mumbai: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle has been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest on Saturday, April 11.

She has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where she is currently undergoing treatment. According to reports, she has been shifted to the Emergency Medical Services unit of the hospital. Doctor Pratit Samdani confirmed her admission, news agency IANS reported.

Bhosle, 93, is regarded as one of the most iconic and versatile voices in Indian music, with a career spanning over seven decades. She has recorded thousands of songs across multiple languages and genres.