Talks on nuclear cooperation and a $multi-billion defence agreement will be the highlight of visit of French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who arrives on Friday.
NEW DELHI: Talks on nuclear cooperation and a $multi-billion defence agreement will be the highlight of visit of French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who arrives on Friday to give 'fresh impetus' to the strategic ties with India.
The two sides will also discuss ways to enhance trade and business ties during Sarkozy's two-day maiden visit here, which is marked by the suspense over whether the President's girlfriend and former supermodel Carla Bruni would be accompanying him.
Sarkozy, the 'Guest of Honour' at the Republic Day celebrations, will be accompanied by a high level delegation of ministers and top executives of French business groups.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy will hold talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
After the talks, the two sides will issue a joint statement spelling out a 'strategic roadmap' for future cooperation between the two countries, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.
A framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation is expected to be unveiled, making clear France's willingness to sign it whenever India is ready with safeguards pact with IAEA and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) exemptions.
The two sides will also sign a 1.5 billion euro pact under which France will upgrade India's ageing 52 Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft to the Mirage-2009 levels.
The two sides will also outline plans to enhance the business ties and set ambitious trade targets. Bilateral trade has more than doubled in the last three years and currently stands at $6.23 billion.
While helping India in its development, France is keen to see it to be a 'green growth', involving reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
During the visit, the two sides will sign two inter-governmental agreements -- one each in areas of defence and consular affairs.
Discussions between Singh and Sarkozy are also expected to touch upon the issue of Eurocopter deal between India and European defence consortium EADS, which was scrapped by New Delhi about two months ago.
France says it 'regrets' the cancellation of the Eurocopter tender by India because of 'internal reasons' but feels it was for New Delhi to decide on the subject.
The controversy surrounding a ban by France on wearing of turban by Sikhs is also expected to come up during the talks.
Favouring increased exchanges in the field of education, the French President will also announce a decision of his government to allow foreign students, including Indians, to work part-time while studying.
This is to increase the resources of foreign students to be in France as they can earn while studying.
Singh and Sarkozy will also discuss regional issues, particularly Pakistan, Iran and Middle East.
Reform of the international institutions like the UN will also figure in the discussions, amid France's keen interest to see India play a prominent role in the world body.
France also favours expansion of G-8 bloc of developed countries to include India as it feels New Delhi deserves its 'rightful place' in these institutions.
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