France wants India to buy more Rafales

During her visit, Defence Minister will make a strong sales pitch for the fighters

India has agreed to buy 36 rafales in flyway condition

India has a hectic diplomatic calendar next week with a series of high profile visits scheduled. French Defence Minister Florence Parley will be in New Delhi on an official visit during which she is likely to make a strong pitch to sell additional Rafales fighter jets.

Ms. Parley is scheduled to visit India from October 26. The two sides will discuss the progress of the deal for 36 Rafals fighters jets. One official said. The issue of additional Rafale jets and the Navy's mega tender for a new line of submarines are likely to come up for discussion the official added.

Ms. Parley will travel to Nagpur on October 27 to lay the foundation stone for a manufacturing facility being set up by Dassault and Reliance Defence as part of the offsets under the Rafale deal another official said.