UAE freezes jet deal with France worth over Rs16 lakh crore after Pavel Durov's arrest

New Delhi: United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put a $20 billion deal with France on hold for the purchase of 80 Rafale fighter jets. This suspension comes in response to the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who was detained in France over allegations concerning his messaging platform’s failure to curb illicit activities.

Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov 

Pavel Durov, the CEO of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, was detained over the weekend in France as authorities investigate the platform’s role in facilitating illegal activities, including drug trafficking and child exploitation. Durov, who holds dual citizenship in France and the UAE and is possibly a Russian citizen, has not yet been formally charged. His arrest has triggered diplomatic tensions between the UAE and France.

🚨#BREAKING: The United Arab Emirates has completely FROZEN the implementation of a contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France following the arrest of Pavel Durov! pic.twitter.com/8pN4FdXHay

— The Saviour (@stairwayto3dom) August 27, 2024

Suspends $20 billion Rafale jets deal

The suspension of the $20 billion deal for Rafale jets, which involves French aerospace giant Dassault, has raised concerns about the future of military cooperation between the two nations. The UAE is reportedly considering a complete halt to military and technical agreements with France. Meanwhile, the UAE is actively seeking consular access to Durov, further highlighting the escalating diplomatic strain.

As of Tuesday, Durov remains in custody, and reports suggest that a French judge will decide by Wednesday whether to formally press charges or release him.