Thread by @Iyervval

THREAD on the #Rafale Secrecy Clause signed in 2008. mea.gov.in/Uploads/Public… pages 2416-2425

1n "CLASSIFIED" is WHATEVER the providing party determines to be classified, REGARDLESS OF ITS NATURE. For Rafale engaged in fierce ongoing competitions, price is VERY SENSITIVE

2n EQUIVALENT PROTECTIONS: A whole section gives the Providing Party (FRANCE) to decide classification and obliges the Receiving Party (India) to enforce such classification and NOT DOWNGRADE the secrecy levels

3n REITERATION OF SECRECY: so important that a whole another article is added to REITERATE that secrecy is at the core of strategic trust. Note the language here "organisations" is clearly jargon for Nuclear organisations, meaning Nuke modifications absolutely cannot be divulged

4n AUTOMATIC RENEWAL: If you think the treaty expires in 2008 think again!!! 5 year automatic renewal built in if neither party objects. END OF THREAD ..FOR NOW

5n Private briefings for opposition members can be worked into the secrecy clause because of the equivalence classifications described below

6n All @RahulGandhi has to do to get his private briefing is ask the government for one, and get his OSA clearance - a long and cumbersome process that severely invades privacy - which is probably why he's never asked for a private briefing.