Reported By:
| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Jan 24, 2016, 05:49 PM IST
French President Francois Hollande landed in Chandigarh on Sunday afternoon on a three-day visit to India.
The President will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during sightseeing to tourist spots Rock Garden, Capitol Complex, Government Museum and Art gallery in Chandigarh. Prime Minister Modi and the French President are expected to address a CEOs forum and India-French Business Summit in Chandigarh. Thereafter, the visiting dignitary will depart for New Delhi. He will be accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday. Later, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by signing of agreements in various key sectors.
Also Read: This is French President Francois Hollande's agenda on 3-day India visit starting today
On January 26, the French President will witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath as the chief guest. This is the fifth time that a serving President of France will be the Chief Guest at India?s Republic Day function. Also, for the first time in independent India's history, foreign troops (French troops) will be participating in the Republic Day parade. Earlier, the Indian troops had participated in the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2009.
India and France will hold detailed discussion on terrorism in the backdrop of Paris and Pathankot attacks. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the talks will be held to further deepen the cooperation on terrorism as it has now become an international problem. Ways to enhance trade between the two countries will also be high on the agenda. Bilateral trade between the two sides is around eight billion dollars.
Also Read: Francois Hollande visit: French Prez on Rafale deal, ties with India, reforms
On the defence side, negotiations are on advance stage for 36 Rafale multi-role fighters deal with France. New Delhi's relationship with Paris is very comprehensive. It covers number of sectors such as defence, civil nuclear cooperation, railways, smart cities, science and research, space and culture. India expects some forward progress in all these areas during the French President's visit.
