Rajnath Singh kicks off his three-day visit to France from Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off his three-day visit to France from New Delhi on October 7. Rajnath Singh took to Twitter and confirmed the news. The Defence Minister wrote that he will attend the Annual Defence Dialogue and the Induction Ceremony of Rafale. He further mentioned that relations between both countries have seen significant improvement over the years and that he is looking forward to strengthening these ties. 

Read the Defence Minister's tweet here: 

Rajnath Singh to perform 'Shastra Pooja' in France

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will continue the tradition of performing 'Shastra Pooja' this year in France where he is likely to fly a sortie in India's first Rafale aircraft. Shastra Pooja (worship of weapons) is an old Hindu tradition where warriors perform pooja of their arms and weapons. Defence officials close to Rajnath Singh said, "During his days as Home Minister, Rajnath Singh would perform Shastra pooja every Dushehra. Now as a Defence Minister also, he would continue the tradition." The Defence  Minister is also supposed to meet French President Emanuel Macron on his trip to France and then proceed to Bordeaux for receiving the first Rafale aircraft made for India. 

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Defence Minister's trip to France

Rajnath Singh will reach France on October 8, which is also Air Force Day and Dussehra. Reportedly, on the same day, he will receive the plane in Merignac near Bordeaux. On October 9, he will move to Paris with a team of senior defence. As per sources, the Defence Minister will officially receive the fighter jet from France and is likely to fly in it after it is officially inducted in the Indian Air Force. News agency ANI, quoting IAF sources, said that a French pilot will fly in the front cockpit, while Rajnath Singh will sit in the rear cockpit.

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(With inputs from ANI)