French newspaper refuses to run PM Modi's interview

According to the reports, leading French newspaper Le Monde on Friday refused to run Prime MInister Narendra Modi's interview after they were told to publish written answers provided to them, without interacting with him.

Le Monde's South Asia correspondent Julien Bouissou tweeted, "Le Monde refused to run an interview of Narendra Modi after we were told to publish written answers, not to interact with him."

.@lemondefr refused to run an interview of @narendramodi after we were told to publish written answers, not to interact with him

— julien bouissou (@jubouissou) April 9, 2015

However, after the refusal, the PMO reportedly negotiated an email interview with another French newspaper Le Figaro.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked France and wrapped up his first visit that saw the two nations elevate their strategic ties to a new level as they agreed on a deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets and decided to move ahead with the log-jammed Jaitapur nuclear project.

On the second leg of his tour, PM Modi has now arrived in Germany where he will meet German business leaders. Business and technology will be Modi's focus with the intent of attracting participation in the 'Make in India' initiative.