Rafale jets induction to IAF: Top quotes from Rajnath Singh’s address

New Delhi, Sep 10: As many as five Rafale fighter aircrafts were on Thursday formally inducted into the Indian Air Force's 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows'.

Specifications and performance data of Rafale fighter jets

The induction ceremony held at the Ambala Air Force station was attended by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials.

Rafale aircraft gets water cannon salute at induction ceremony in Ambala

Singh had earlier held a brief conversation with Parly at the Palam Air Force station in New Delhi where the two ministers discussed ways to further boost bilateral defence cooperation.

Here are the top quotes from the Defence Minister's address:

a. Indian Air Force (IAF) represents the strong ties between India and France. the strategic ties between the two countries have also strengthened.

b. The induction of these fighter jets is a big message to the entire globe especially to those eyeing India's sovereignty, This induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere at created at our borders.

Ahead of inducting Rafale jets to Indian Air Force, France describes India as strategic partner

c. Singh congratulated the IAF by saying that during the recent unfortunate incident at the border, the swift and deliberate action taken near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) shows the commitment of the air warriors.

d. The speed at which IAF deployed its assets at forward bases created a confidence that it is fully prepared to fulfil operational obligations.

e. In my recent foreign trip, I put the point of view of India in front of the world. I also made everyone aware of our resolve to not compromise our sovereignty and territorial integrity under any circumstances. We're committed to doing everything possible towards this.