In the pictures that were shared by then defence minister Manohar Parrikar back then, he is seen signing the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets
Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar while siging the deal for 36 Rafale jets. Picture/Twitter Manohar Parrikar
Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday took to Twitter to remember former Defence Minister and BJP leader, late Manohar Parrikar, as French Rafale fighter jets arrived in India. The first five of a batch of the Rafale fighter jets landed at the Ambala airbase in Haryana after covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km. The fighter jets will be joining the Indian Air Force fleet.
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Here's what Smriti Irani tweeted:
Remembering Bhai today ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0099Âu00c2u008f https://t.co/zZ31Sty24B
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 29, 2020
The Union Textile Minister retweeted a post of the late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar and said, "Remembering Bhai today." In the post from 2016, the late BJP leader can be seen signing the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets with a minister from France. At the time, Parrikar was the defence minister of India from 2014 to 2017.
India welcomes Rafale!
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 29, 2020
“May You Touch the Sky With Glory” pic.twitter.com/R4jNIIFa0n
While sharing the pictures, the late former CM of Goa had said, "Rafale will significantly improve India's strike & defence capabilities."
They hounded him for he wanted to enhance @IAF_MCC combat capacity.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 29, 2020
As 1st batch of Rafale Aircraft lands in Ambala, a resolute Nation thanks PM @narendramodi Ji for putting India First & strengthening our defence capabilities.
A proud moment for ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087®ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087³ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087®ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087³#ThankYouPmModiForRafale pic.twitter.com/TVKzvpNqeW
The Women and Child Development minister also welcomed the arrival of Rafale fighter aircraft. Sharing a video, Irani wrote, "India welcomes Rafale! May You Touch the Sky With Glory." In another tweet, she extended a 'Thank You' note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi putting India First and strengthening the country's defence capabilities.
The Rafale fighter jets will be part of the No. 17 Squadron of the Air Force, also known as the ''Golden Arrows'. The formal induction ceremony of the aircraft would be held later.
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