Dear Editor,
It is a good decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have an outright purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France. We all know that the Indian Air Force has been complaining about lack of preparedness in case of an eventuality or unforeseen circumstance. Now, this long-pending issue has been addressed, even if partly. Cutting the red tape was one promise Modi had made, which probably paved the way for the Rafale strategic deal.
Though he must have thought over it many times, considering his passion for Make in India campaign, the Prime Minister has been able to get a better price from France for the ready-to-fly plane. Faced with hostile neighbours, we cannot afford to be complacent and need to be prepared for everything. We should not forget that China has a distinct advantage over India on defence preparedness.
Bal Govind
via-e-mail