Ambala: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the 4.5 generation Rafale fighter jets into the Indian Airforce on Thursday. Rajnath Singh in his address on the induction of the planes was a big and stern message to the entire world, especially those eyeing our sovereignty.

This kind of induction is very important for the kind of atmosphere that has been created on our borders without naming China. France’s Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly, who accompanied with Rajnath Singh at the induction ceremony at the country’s oldest, largest and strategically important airbase at Ambala. He said with the induction of Rafale, in military terms, India will acquire a world-class capability that will give New Delhi an incredible Sovereignty.

In strategic terms this will give India an edge over the entire region to defend itself, Florence Parly said. Parly also stated that the French Government supports India’s claim for permanent membership of the UNSC. The Rafale aircraft would be part of the 17^th Squadron, which is popularly known as the “Golden Arrows”, at the Ambala airbase. Describing the Rafale deal as a game changer for India’s National Security, Rajnath Singh in his address reiterated the resolve of not compromising India’s Sovereignty and Territorial integrity at any circumstances and the country’s determination to make all possible preparations for it.

Asserting that strengthen the Defence forces is aimed at achieving international peace and stability, said the Defence Minister. We do not want to take any step that can endanger international peace, he said. We have the same expectations of our neighbours and other countries of the world. He also congratulated the IAF personal for the swift and decisive action taken by them near the LAC recently and added that the rapid deployment of IAF assests at forward bases created a trust that IAF was fully prepared to meets its operational obligations.

Describing the Rafale induction as a reflection of close strategic relations between India and France, he said.