New Delhi has shown a lack of strategic vision by choosing the Rafale fighter aircraft
Flying Into Rough Weather
-The Times of India, February 10, 2012
Flying Into Rough Weather
-The Times of India, February 10, 2012
Showing posts with label Dassault Rafale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dassault Rafale. Show all posts
10 Feb 2012
2 Feb 2012
Strategic lift in Rafale tailwind
"The fighter deal is expected to add momentum to France’s interest in working with India in intelligence sharing and nuclear technology"
Paris will now be looking to enter into a new era of relationship with New Delhi encompassing intelligence sharing, nuclear enrichment and reprocessing and even joint production of sub-theatre range missiles. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Strategic lift in Rafale tailwind.
India had recognised the steadfastness of France in standing by India especially after the Pokhran nuclear tests. And during the kargil conflict, Dassault's Mirage fighters blasted bunkers in seemingly impregnable positions after the MiGs had not performed up to expectations.
We now expect France to standby their commitment for a "complete" civil nuclear partnership with India that would include enrichment and reprocessing (ENR), which is denied to countries that NSG thinks do not conform to their norms. Unkown to many, France cooperated with us in setting up a fast breeder reactor despite the 1974 nuclear test and the sanctions that followed.
More intimate alliances in the nuclear, military and intelligence fields would also allow India to spread its influence in western Africa, known as France's backyard. India and France which have always professed respect for each other's national security interests and shared the quest for strategic autonomy, could help further democratise global politics as well as help each other.
India had recognised the steadfastness of France in standing by India especially after the Pokhran nuclear tests. And during the kargil conflict, Dassault's Mirage fighters blasted bunkers in seemingly impregnable positions after the MiGs had not performed up to expectations.
We now expect France to standby their commitment for a "complete" civil nuclear partnership with India that would include enrichment and reprocessing (ENR), which is denied to countries that NSG thinks do not conform to their norms. Unkown to many, France cooperated with us in setting up a fast breeder reactor despite the 1974 nuclear test and the sanctions that followed.
More intimate alliances in the nuclear, military and intelligence fields would also allow India to spread its influence in western Africa, known as France's backyard. India and France which have always professed respect for each other's national security interests and shared the quest for strategic autonomy, could help further democratise global politics as well as help each other.
Beyond the Rafale deal
"Given the size of the contract — more than $10 billion, is the largest defence deal struck by India — the acquisition of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) was viewed in many quarters as a purchase in which political and strategic considerations would, or even should, play a role. "
It seemed that the technical and commercial factors prevailed over extra-contractual considerations. Since, the selection process was uninfluenced by the United States administration. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Beyond the Rafale deal.
But the decision to buy the fighters could provide the leverage for India to hold France to its promise of increasing cooperation across a whole range of areas, but especially in the nuclear and defence fields, including the greater sharing of technology and expertise.
Since the Nuclear Suppliers Group reneged on its 2008 bargain with India last year by banning the sale of enrichment and reprocessing equipment (ENR) but France, has said it will not be bound by the new restrictions. The French must now be held to their word.
It seemed that the technical and commercial factors prevailed over extra-contractual considerations. Since, the selection process was uninfluenced by the United States administration. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Beyond the Rafale deal.
Since the Nuclear Suppliers Group reneged on its 2008 bargain with India last year by banning the sale of enrichment and reprocessing equipment (ENR) but France, has said it will not be bound by the new restrictions. The French must now be held to their word.
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