His comments come amidst ongoing controversy regarding corruption in India's chopper deal with Italy's AgustaWestland.
Expressing 'confidence' in India and its commitment to peace, French President Francois Hollande Thursday tried to assure India about zero corruption in the multi billion dollar deal regarding fighter jet Rafale.
"Nothing contrary to the principles that we stand for... trade must be based on the rules of trade... and on the basis of competitiveness and fairness, which are the essential principles,” said Hollande while batting for Rafale on his two day state visit to India.
His comments come amidst ongoing controversy regarding corruption in India's chopper deal with Italy's AgustaWestland.
Hollande stated that he and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed the Rafale deal. "We agreed there is progress... its conclusion depends on the commercial negotiations... It is for India to choose," he added.
He clarified that he “can't replace the head of the company” but only talked about excellence of the aircraft. India and France are negotiating for 126 Rafale Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force.
Hollande also said that France wants to take its strategic partnership with India to an exemplary level. He called upon for increased exchange of Indian and French students.
He said both the countries are very different from each other on several counts but want to move ahead together. “Let's not copy each other but let's go hand in hand,” Hollande added while praising India's advance in terms of technology.
Earlier in the morning, Hollande and PM Manmohan Singh jointly addressed a press conference where they said that details of the were being discussed and hoped “ to reach an early conclusion".
India and France have been working on the short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) project for the past few years. “We also have concluded negotiations on the SRSAM, which, once approved by the government, will be co-developed and co-produced in India," said PM Manmohan Singh.
India and France also signed documents related to co-operation in four important sectors like education and higher education, research, space, railways and culture.
The PM also noted noted that India was Hollande's first Asian destination for a bilateral visit. He said that the two countries had also agreed to further strengthen their counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation.
Hollande and PMN also had several discussions on regional and global issues including crisis in Mali.
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