Why is Modi silent: Rahul Gandhi targets PM on ex-French President Hollande's claims

"It is upto the Prime Minister of India to clear his name on the issue," he said.

Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi said: "Ex-President of France said 'We didn't have any say in this matter'. What he is saying is, PM of India is a thief," Gandhi.

Questioning Modi's 'silence' over the issue, Gandhi said: "It is very important for PM now to either accept Mr. Hollande's statement or state that Mr. Hollande is lying and tell what the truth is."

He said: "For the first time, an ex-French President is calling our PM a thief. It is a question of the dignity of the office of Prime Minister. It is the question of the future of our jawans and the Air Force."

Gandhi said the Prime Minister has shattered the trust of the people of India.

Hollande has said India had asked the French government to nominate Indian industrialist Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Industries as its partner in the Rafale deal.

Hollande was quoted as saying by French website Mediapart.

French government reacts:

The French government said they only played the role to ensure the delivery and quality of the aircraft.

"The intergovernmental agreement signed on 23rd September 2016 between the French and Indian governments for supplying India with 36 Rafale aircraft concerns the obligations of the French government solely with regard to ensuring the delivery and quality of this equipment," said the statement.

"The French government is in no manner involved in the choice of Indian industrial partners who have been, are being, or will be selected by French companies. In accordance with India’s acquisition procedure, French companies have the full freedom to choose the Indian partner companies that they consider to be the most relevant, then present for the Indian government’s approval the offsets projects that they wish to execute in India with these local partners so as to fulfil their obligations in this regard," it said.

It said: "As it happens, agreements have already been signed by French companies with many Indian firms, both public and private, under the framework of Indian laws."