Sarkozy seeks defence deals, better ties in India

French President Nicholas Sarkozy arrived here on Friday on a two-day visit which is expected to give a boost to bilateral relations.

A 300-member delegation including ministers and business leaders have also come along with him on his first trip to India as President. However, contrary to all expectations, his girlfriend, Carla Bruni is not accompanying him.

The French President, who will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the Republic Day celebrations was received by Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma.

He is expected to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan for a ceremonial reception, after which, he is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

There is plenty on the official platter to keep Sarkozy busy in his maiden trip to India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy will hold talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.A deal to upgrade India's 52 Mirage fighters is on the cards. France will also be invited to bid for an even bigger helicopter contract in place of the cancelled Eurocopter tender and an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation is ready for signature. However, that may have to wait until India negotiates IAEA safeguards.

Sarkozy is expected to brief Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the financial crisis hitting key world markets and both will probably share notes on their recent visits to China.

Courtesy:ibnlive.com
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