Modi reaches France, hold talks on terrorism, NSG with Macron

The Dollar Business Bureau 

On the fourth leg of his four-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached France today during which he will hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of major issues such as terrorism, climate change and India's membership bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

“Reached France for a vital visit to enhance ties with one of our most important strategic partners,” Modi said in a tweet after landing in Paris.

Modi arrived in France after concluding his Russia’s visit during which he had discussions with President Vladimir Putin and also attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Modi started his four-nation tour with his visit to Germany, formsthen he visited Spain, and held talks with the leaders of the both the countries.

During his visit to France, Modi will have a meeting with the newly-elected President of France Emmanuel Macron, who had created history by becoming the country’s youngest president at the age of 39.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said, “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 will have discussions with Macron on key international issues such as UNSC reforms, India’s membership at UNSC, counter-terrorism and climate change.

“I would be exchanging views with the France’s President on key global issues that include reforms at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and India's permanent membership at the UNSC, India’s membership bid for various multilateral export control regimes, cooperation on counter-terrorism, partnership on climate change and International Solar Alliance (ISA),” Modi had said.

France is India’s 9th largest investment partner and a major partner in the country’s development initiatives in the fields of defence, nuclear, space, renewable energy, railways and urban development. France has invested around $5.55 billion between April 2000 to January 2017.

Modi had said that he is committed to strengthen and boost the multi-faceted partnership of India with France.

Investments and bilateral trform a significant part of India-France strategic ties. In 2016, the overall trade in goods between the two countries stood at 8.58 billion euros, recording an increase of 0.49% compared to the previous year. Nearly 1000 French companies are operating in India with an overall turnover of over $20 billion.