That the deal has worked to the disadvantage of HAL became a talking point once again. A day after Hollande's disclosure, the Government refuted his claims, arguing that it had no say in the selection. The Defence Ministry said an unnecessary controversy was being sought to be created following media reports of the statement purportedly made by Hollande concerning the selection by Dassault Aviation of Reliance Defence as its offset partner. 'The Government had stated earlier and again reiterates that it had no role in the selection of Reliance Defence as the offset partner,' stated the Ministry. Dassault said that its joint venture with Anil Ambani's Reliance Group—Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd—to make parts of Falcon and Rafale aircraft was its own decision. Created in February 2017, this venture, in which Dassault has a 49 per cent stake, has a plant in Nagpur.