French Defence Minister Florence Parly Attends Induction Of Rafale Fighter Jets

French Defence Minister Florence Parly attended the inducted ceremony of five Rafale fighter jets into the Indian Air Force at Ambala Air Force base today. According to The Indian Express Parly also attended the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ that was conducted before induction of the fighter jets into the service. This is Parly's third visit to India after assuming office in 2017.

The first batch of five fighter jets, by French aircraft manufacturing company Dassault Aviation, arrived at the Ambala airbase on July 29. These jets are a part of the batch of 36 aircraft that India bought from France in September 2016.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the induction ceremony along with Florence Parly. IAF chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria was also present, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, reports Hindustan Times. 

🇮🇳🇫🇷#RafaleInduction :This is not only a military project or an Industrial Project;There is above all a friendship, Commonality of Interests, a vision,common attachment of Democracy,Multilateralism, rules-based order : Mrs Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France pic.twitter.com/Lqje2o9lOA

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 10, 2020

In her speech during the induction ceremony, Parly said that France is "fully committed to the Make in India initiative as well as to the further integration of Indian manufactures into our global supply chains."

In her speech, she said that behind these Rafale jets, there is a friendship, commonality of interests, democracy, and attachment. Parly said, " It takes a lot of confidence to India to enhance the capability and this is a result of immense investment over decades." She further said that the induction of Rafale jets is an achievement for both countries. Together both countries are writing a new chapter in India-France defence ties.

Speaking on the performance of Rafale jets, Parly said " I can say with utmost confidence this for many years now the Rafale has successfully performed in our current operations and be assured from our aircraft carrier."

Florence Parly

57-year-old Florence Parly is serving as the Minister of the Armed Forces in France since 2017, succeeding Sylvie Goulard. She was previously the State Secretary for the Budget from 2000 to 2002. Before taking charge as the Defence Minister, Parly was working as Director-General of Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (French National Railway Company). Prior to that, she worked as the Deputy General Director at Air France.

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Parly completed her graduation from Paris Institute of Political Studies and the National School of Administration. She is married to French official Martin Vial. She worked as a civil servant and business leader before joining politics.

Image Credit: The Tribune/ IAF

Sagrika Giri is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.