In a video tweeted by ANI News, Macron says, “It is very clear it was government to government discussion. I just want to refer to what PM Modi very clearly said a few days ago. I don't have any other comment. I was not in-charge at that time and I know that we have very clear rules and this is a government to government discussion. This contract is a part of a broader framework which is military and defence between India and France. This one is very important to me because this is a strategic coalition and not just an industrial relation, so that’s my point. I just want to refer to what PM Modi said on this situation.”

Strangely, despite calls from the main Opposition Congress for PM Narendra Modi to answer questions of alleged favouritism and corruption in the Rafale deal, the PM has remained silent “on this situation”. This was pointed out by NDTV, which first reported Macron’s comments made to NDTV Associate Editor Amitoj Singh while interacting with media on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, underway in New York. “So I ask French President Macron ‘Did the Govt of India tell France or Dassault that they had to accept Reliance as India partner for the Rafale deal? Macron says I’ll refer to what PM Modi said a few days ago (except Modi said nothing),” tweeted Singh.