Clear the air (Rafale controversy)

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 Clear the air (Rafale controversy)

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• Troubling questions persist : Many questions have been repeatedly asked in the public domain regarding the Rafale deal, and despite a "clean chit" of sorts by the S.C. (itself a controversial decision), a final closure has not happened.
• A recent report : It said that the 2016 deal saw an escalation in price of each jet. Reason? Due to the 13 India Specific Enhancements (ISEs) being spread over 36 jets and not 126 as originally decided. ISEs are basically upgrades.
• Objections of the MoD negotiating team : Three members (of 7) objected to Euro 1.3 billion cost for ISEs. Finally it was accepted by 4 : 3 margin as being a non-recurring cost.
• Later failure : If it was a non-recurring cost, then why did our government fail to get a follow-on provision to give India the option to buy more Rafales later, and ensure that the design and development cost was spread over all jets (reducing the per aircraft price)?
• IAF needs fighter jets quickly : The IAF has needed a large number of MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) like Rafale for quite some time now. Such a deal embroiled in controversy doesn't help.
• New RFI : In 2018, the GoI issued a new Request for Information for 100 fighter jets, of which 15% in flyaway condition and rest to be manufactured in strategic partnership route. So would the same questions not arise again?
• Confusion galore : Investigations, statements and government leaks have muddled the whole scene in the Rafale deal. The government is not ready to openly discuss the pricing issue threadbare. Why hide behind the secrecy clause of the general security agreement (India-France, 2008)?
• Get a JPC examine it : Let a Joint Parliamentary Committee examine everything and clear the air. It will be in the interest of the long-term defence preparedness of India.CONCEPT
• Summary : The lack of willingness on government's part to openly discuss the Rafale pricing has cast a deep shadow on its intentions, and it's best to have a JPC go through the entire matter once.

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