Johnson Cherian.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Saturday morning on the last leg of his four-nation tour. He will hold talks with newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron on issues lsuch as terrorism, India’s NSG membership bid and climate change.
“Reached France for a vital visit to enhance ties with one of our most important strategic partners,” the Prime Minister tweeted after landing in Paris.
Mr. Modi reached France after wrapping up a visit to Russia during which he held talks with President Vladimir Putin and attended an international economic forum. Before Russia, Modi visited Spain and Germany and held talks with the top leadership there.
“France is one of our most important Strategic Partners. I look forward to meeting President Macron and have discussions on issues of mutual interest,” Modi had said ahead of his visit.
“I would be exchanging views with the French President on important global issues, including UN Security Council reforms and India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council, India’s membership of the various multilateral export control regimes, counter-terrorism cooperation, collaboration on climate change and International Solar Alliance,” he had said.
9th largest investment partner
France is India’s 9th largest investment partner and a key ally in its development initiatives in defence, space, nuclear and renewable energy, urban development and railways.
“I am committed to substantially strengthening and advancing our multi-faceted partnership with France,” Mr. Modi had said.
The Prime Minister Modi had called up Mr. Macron to congratulate him on his poll victory last month and said he looked forward to working with him to further deepen cooperation.
