India seeks approval for $11 billion defense deals

India is awaiting approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security for two major defense deals with France, totaling nearly $11 billion. The agreements involve 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines. The Indian Navy aims to finalize these deals by March 31 to include them in the current budget. The Rafale-M jets are expected to be showcased on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during its visit to Goa next week. If approved, deliveries of the Rafale-M jets will start in four years, while the Scorpene submarines will follow a previous contract for six submarines. The deals are part of India's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities.