New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- An Indian government panel Thursday gave its preliminary approval for the purchase of additional Rafale fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft in deals valued at billions of dollars, India's defense ministry said.

The purchases are part of a deal approved for a basket of defense products worth 3.6 trillion rupees ($39.74 billion).

Maintaining air power is a strategic priority for India, which faces persistent security challenges along its borders with nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and China.

The ministry didn't provide a breakdown of the number of Rafales or P-8I aircraft to be purchased, nor the cost.

However, an Indian official with direct knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press that the Defence Ac...