The defence minister was in Haryana, campaigning for the saffron party, which is determined to return to power under chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Ghafoor's defence of Singh comes at a time when tensions between the two South Asian neighbours are at an all-time high.

The Rafale Engine Manufacturing company is seeking Indian government's support to set up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India

India had ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore in September 2016.

On October 9, Singh will address the CEOs of leading French defence firms during which he is likely to urge them to participate in the 'Make in India' in the Defence sector in India

Speaking at the India International Security Expo in the national capital, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India cannot remain dependent on imported weapons for long and that it did not align with the country's plans to become a superpower

INS Nilgiri is the first of the Indian Navy's seven new stealth frigates with enhanced stealth features, weapons and sensors.

On the 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US 'showcased India's emergence as a superpower'.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India will not let anyone who bothered them 'rest in peace' while referring to the air-force strike in Balakot in response to the Pulwama attack.

Rajnath Singh also said India's recognition of Pakistan's existence does not mean it has also accepted the country's 'occupation' of parts of Kashmir.