India may ink defense deal with France to acquire 36 combat jets next month

India may sign a major defense pact with France during French President Francois Hollande's visit in January next year, sources said Sunday.

"A defense deal between the two countries could be inked for 36 Rafale fighter jets," the sources said, adding though the Defense Ministry is yet to spell out the nitty gritty.

India has already expressed its intention to buy the jets from France during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris in April this year.

Even Indian Air Force head Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said in October he was optimistic that the deal would be finalized by this yearend.

According to sources, the French president will be in India as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in the national capital on Jan. 26.