Rafale fighter jets have arrived at a time when tension between India and China is still simmering on the Ladakh border, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) refusing to withdraw from certain key positions. Prime Minister Modi has made it abundantly clear that country’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has scored a major victory by procuring the first batch of Rafale fighter jets from France. The first batch of five jets that landed at the Ambala airbase in Haryana recently is part of a bigger deal.
By getting the advance supply of the jets Modi has sent a strong message to both China and Pakistan that any military misadventure against India by them could backfire because Rafale are the best fighter jets in the world at the moment. The welcome accorded to the state of the art aircraft was spectacular.
Modi himself greeted them with a tweet in Sanskrit that underlined the supreme importance of one’s duty towards protecting one’s motherland. Roughly translated, it means there is no greater virtue than protecting the nation and the tweet also made a reference to Indian Air Force motto: ‘Nav sparsham deeptam’ or ‘Touch the sky with glory.’
Modi extended a perfect welcome to the world’s best combat jets that will soon be inducted into the IAF adding significantly to its firepower. The arrival of these state-of-the-art aircraft was, in fact, an important step towards the fulfilment of Prime Minister’s commitment to protecting the unity and integrity of the country at all costs.
We must remember that these five Rafale fighter jets, which covered a distance of almost 7000 kms to reach Ambala, Haryana, have arrived at a time when tension between India and China is still simmering on the Ladakh border, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) refusing to withdraw from certain key positions. India cannot trust the Dragon, but Prime Minister Modi has made it abundantly clear that country’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
A leader of great integrity, Modi has always been keen on India having the best as far as its defence material is concerned. Experts are unanimous in their praise of Rafale which has been referred to as an “omnirole” aircraft by its makers. It is undeniably among the world’s most advanced fighter jets with cutting-edge features, including the ability to reach almost double the speed of sound. Its multi-role capabilities include electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes. Most importantly, it is combat proven having been used by the French Air Force in its missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. It has also been used for missions in Central African Republic, Iraq and Syria.
The acquisition of Rafale fighter jets by India is a tribute to Modi’s farsightedness as a leader who keeps a sharp eye on developments around the globe. The Prime Minister is keenly aware of the fact that the rise in India’s international stature has made certain countries jealous of it. While Pakistan has been a constant thorn on India’s side, China’s expansionist designs are also becoming increasingly evident.
Modi’s India is more than prepared to deal with any threat to its territorial integrity. With him at the helm of affairs, no one should have an iota of doubt that any misadventure by the enemies of the country will not only be rebuffed decisively but will teach them a lesson the hard way. Fortunately for all of us, India today has a leader who is decisive with clarity of thought and personal integrity. The Prime Minister has displayed these traits time and again and each time he has been successful.
