The Defence Acquisition Council on Tuesday gave the go ahead to further negotiations for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France talks for which had got stalled, reviving hopes of the deal going through.

The defence ministry's top acquisition council, which met here this evening under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, also cleared a Rs 6,966 crore deal for the purchase of 48 Mi17-V5 helicopters from Russia. The hardy, medium-lift choppers have been a huge asset for the air force.