India to ink deal for Rafale jets, submarines soon: Navy chief

India is likely to sign by January 2025 two deals with France for 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets and three more Scorpene-class submarines to sharpen its combat capabilities, navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said on Monday, adding that 62 warships and a diesel-electric submarine are under construction at various Indian shipyards, and the government has approved a project to build two nuclear-powered submarines.

- Rahul Singh

In his customary media press conference ahead of the Navy Day, he also said that the Indian Navy was keeping a close watch on extra regional forces in the Indian Ocean Region, including Chinese naval units and "we know who is doing what and where", and that several Pakistani warships were being built with Chinese support.

On the upcoming deals, the navy chief said, "Negotiations for the Rafale-M deal are at an advanced stage and the case will now go to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. Both deals should be signed by next month."

India celebrates December 4 as Navy Day to commemorate Operation Trident - the navy's attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 war with Pakistan. President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at this year's Navy Day function being held at Puri in Odisha.