French Navy Rafale fighter jets are seen aboard the upgraded Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier off the coast of Toulon, southern France, Nov 14, 2018. (CHRISTOPHE SIMON / POOL PHOTO / AP)

NEW DELHI - India's federal defense ministry on Tuesday said France has confirmed that it will deliver Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on time despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal defense minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Florence Parly

"France reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic," reads a statement issued by India's defense ministry.

ALSO READ:India may sue newspaper under secrets act over Rafale documents

According to the ministry, federal defense minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Florence Parly.

"They discussed matters of mutual concern, including the COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen the bilateral defense cooperation between India and France. Both ministers appreciated the efforts made by armed forces of India and France in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," the ministry said.

ALSO READ: Funding crunch leaves Modi's military purchases a pipe dream

India in 2016 signed a deal with France for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets.

The IAF is likely to get the delivery of the first batch of four Rafale jets from France by the end of July. Reports said the four fighters were supposed to fly to their home base in India in May 2020, but the plan was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

READ MORE: Russia, India to cooperate in military program by 2030