'Parrikar clearly stated that he has nothing to do with new deal on Rafale': Rahul Gandhi
Kochi, Jan 29: Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday claimed that former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had clearly stated that he has nothing to do with the 'new deal.'
"Friends, the ex-defence minister Mr Parrikar clearly stated that he has nothing to do with the new deal that was orchestrated by Mr Narendra Modi to benefit Anil Ambani," he told a booth-level party workers meeting here.
His statement came hours after he met Parrikar, now Goa Chief Minister, at the state assembly complex in Panaji.
The Congress President,however, did not clarify whether the issue was discussed during his meeting with Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment.
Gandhi made the remarks a day after he alleged that the "Goa audio tapes", cited by the Congress to attack the Centre on the Rafale issue, were authentic and that Parrikar was in possession of "explosive secrets" that give him power over Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reiterating his charge against Modi over the Rafale deal, Gandhi said he has taken Rs 30,000 crore of people's money and given it to his friend Anil Ambani.
"Why was a plane that costs Rs 526 crore bought at a price of Rs 1,600 crore? he asked.
The youngsters of the country, the youngsters of Kerala-- they get only one answer.
And the answer is that the Prime Minister of India is corrupt," he said.
The Congress has been targeting Modi on the deal,alleging that the price of each aircraft was sharply hiked from around Rs 526 crore, negotiated under the deal during UPA, to Rs 1,600 crore and that the contract would help Anil Ambani get Rs 30,000 crore benefit through offset contract.
The government has denied the charges and has accused the Congress of spreading 'falsehood' on the issue.
Gandhi questioned the removal of the CBI chief even after the Supreme Court reinstated him and alleged that the prime minister did it to "protect himself" and "ensure that no enquiry is carried out" against him in the Rafale deal.
"Why did the ex-president of France tell the press clearly that he was told by the Indian prime minister to give the Rafale contract to Mr Anil Ambani.
I want to ask why was a man who has no experience in building an aircraft given a contract after it was snatched away from those people (Hindustan Aeronautical Limited), who are building the aircraft for 70 years?" Gandhi asked.
The Congress president said thousands of young Indians who could have got high paid jobs in HAL have now 'lost the opportunity.'
No defence capabilities were going to be built in India due to Modi's actions, he alleged.
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India, Russia unveil new measures to broaden trade, economic ties between countries
PM Modi bats for bringing peace to Ukraine
New Delhi (PTI): India and Russia on Friday firmed up a five-year plan to bolster economic and trade partnership in the face of Washington's punitive tariff and sanctions regime even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end through dialogue.
Following their summit talks, Modi and Putin unitedly demonstrated their keenness to impart a fresh momentum to the trajectory of the over eight-decades-old partnership between the two nations.
Besides finalising the 2030 economic programme, the two sides signed several agreements to expand cooperation in a number of sectors including health, mobility and people-to-people exchange.
"Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star," Modi said in his media statement.
ALSO READ: India not neutral, it is on the side of peace: PM Modi to Putin on Ukraine conflict
The prime minister, referring to the economic roadmap, said taking the India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is now a common priority for both sides. Modi also said that India and Russia are working towards early conclusion of a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union.
The Ukraine conflict also figured prominently in the talks with Modi saying that India has advocated for peace in that country.
"We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future," he said.
On threat of terrorism, Modi said India and Russia have long been standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against the menace.
"Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly assault on the Crocus City Hall - the root of all these incidents is the same," he said.
"India's unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength," he added.
Modi said India-Russia cooperation in the critical minerals sector is crucial for ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the entire world.
ALSO READ: Russian President Putin says India, Russia collaboration not directed against anyone
In his remarks, Putin said the two sides resolved to prioritise cooperation in areas of security, economy, trade and culture.
We are looking at increasing annual bilateral trade volume to USD 100 billion, he said.
Putin said Russia is also looking at expanding cooperation in the energy sector with New Delhi, adding his country is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.
We could also talk about cooperation in construction of small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants, he said.
Russia, India and other like-minded nations are working towards a just and multipolar world.
