Simran Sodhi,Tribune News Service,New Delhi, January 21

The Rafale deal will see some forward movement during the visit of French President to India starting this Sunday. Also, France will announce a financial commitment to the ‘International Solar Alliance’ during the visit, as confirmed by the French Ambassador to India, François Richier.While the ambassador refused to give details on what kind of announcement one could expect with regard to the Rafale deal, he did say: ‘I am confident something will be announced’. Richier also said it was a “very important negotiation taking place at the very time I am talking to you. We have made very important progress since the Prime Minister (Modi) came to France last April, and we have already reached a number of important steps”.A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs echoed similar sentiments and said: “I would not like to comment specifically on the Rafalel deal. Negotiations are at an advance stage and basically it is for the Ministry of Defence to comment on that particular aspect.” It is expected that the inter-governmental agreement (IGA) for the deal will be signed during Hollande’s visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi had announced India’s decision to buy 36 Rafale jets during his visit to France last April. With respect to the ‘International Solar Alliance’,the French ambassador confirmed that France would be announcing a financial commitment to the project during Hollande’s visit. He said the idea came from Prime Minister Modi and “it remains an Indian initiative and it has now become a joint operation and now it is to become an international operation”. The MEA spokesperson, at a media briefing today, said: “This will now be taken forward with the Prime Minister and the French President inaugurating the Inter-racial Solar Alliance Secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy in Gurgaon, Haryana.”While the French envoy confirmed that a letter has been received by the French Consulate in Bengaluru cautioning Hollande not to visit India for the coming Republic Day parade, he sought to downplay the reports. He said the letter was probably sent by ” individuals who want to create a media agitation. We are looking into it but at this stage, we don’t consider it a serious threat,” he said.

NAVY CRAFT SINKS NEAR CHENNAI; FIRE LIKELY CAUSE

An Indian navy craft, T 304 an FIC (fast interceptor craft), sank on Friday morning, 90 northeast of Chennai. Naval sources said the primary cause was fire and melting of a part of the hull. The crew of six are reportedly safe and there are no causalities. An inquiry has been ordered.