The controversial Rafale fighter jet deal has returned to the spotlight after Pakistan shot down an Indian Air Force Rafale during recent clashes. The $7.4 billion agreement, signed in 2016 for 36 French-made jets, has long been dogged by allegations of corruption and favoritism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government .
The most contentious issue was the selection of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group as the offset partner, despite its lack of aerospace experience. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, accused Modi of crony capitalism, claiming Reliance was favored over state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) due to Ambani’s ties to the ruling BJP .
Disputes over pricing further fueled the scandal. While the government claimed each jet cost ₹900 crore, leaked French documents suggested the original deal was significantly cheaper. In 2018, India’s Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the deal but criticized the lack of transparency in procurement .
In 2021, France opened a probe into alleged corruption, including secret commissions and bribes. However, India reportedly stalled cooperation with French investigators, as highlighted in a 2023 diplomatic note .
Currently, Reliance Aerospace faces scrutiny over offset delays, while the Delhi High Court hears a petition demanding transparency under the Right to Information Act .
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