French President François Hollande arrives in India for a three-day visit. Mr. Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade on Tuesday. He has indicated that the nearly Rs. 60,000 crore Rafale deal is on the “right track” but unlikely to be signed during this visit.
Earlier, the French President appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi “for his diplomacy reflecting both a sense of proportion and a strong determination. He recently took important steps to engage in a dialogue with the political leadership in Pakistan.”
Live updates:
6.01 p.m.: I am grateful to France for working with us to convert Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry into Smart Cities: PM
6.00 p.m.: The 400 French companies working in India have had a positive experience of operating here: PM
PM >@narendramodi : In innovation also France can be an important partner for India. >pic.twitter.com/GEsxXamaqY
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
5.55 p.m.: India and France are made for each other. France has the resources, we have the need and the market: PM
5.50 p.m.: India's skilled manpower can be a major source of strength. Our skilled manpower can bring down costs & improve quality: PM
5.50 p.m: India's talent and the manufacturing of France can achieve a lot: PM
5.50 p.m.: Defence is also a very important matter. And now, it is not only about the battlefield. Cyber security is becoming vital: PM
5:50 p.m.: Within days of the attack, France hosted so many world leaders. People, the media of France must be appreciated: PM
5.49 p.m.: President Hollande is correct that terrorism is a challenge, just like global warming: PM
5.48 p.m.: The trust and friendship with France is an asset for us: PM
5.46 p.m.: Have got many opportunities to work with President Hollande including during the recent COP21 Summit: PM
5.45 p.m.: Enthusiasm of President Hollande to work with India is evident in his words: PM speaks at Business Summit.
5.35 p.m.: "My visit has 2 main goals-Consolidate strategic partnership with India and implement decisions taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France," said Mr. Hollande.
5.30 p.m.: The real strength of the Indo French economic partnership. The two leaders, Mr. Modi and Mr. Hollande, witness signing of 16 Agreements.
The real strength of the Indo French economic partnership. The 2 leaders witness signing of 16 B2B Agreements >pic.twitter.com/ThNC30AYeU
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
5:01 p.m.: Our strategic partnership is not just between Paris and New Delhi. It is with each and every one of you: PM
4:54 p.m.: India is the fastest growing economy in the world. We have the labour and the market for your products: PM
4.53 p.m.:
PM >@narendramodi : India is a source of hope and confidence for the entire world community. >pic.twitter.com/AlXRQJat3v
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
4.50 p.m.: I have had the opportunity to meet President Hollande five times last year: PM.
4.49 p.m.: Prime Minister Modi welcomes the French President.
4.46 pm: President François Hollande addresses the CEO Forum.
4.44 p.m.: Vikas Swarup tweeted the agendas of the Indo-French CEO Forum: Defence, Green Economy, Smart Cities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Water & Financial Sector
4.31p.m.: PM Modi and French President Hollande are all set to interact at Indo-French CEO Forum.
Away from Delhi, business takes centre stage. The leaders attend the CEOs Forum followed by a Business Summit >pic.twitter.com/fU7NEwQeN0
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
4.14 p.m.:
Redefining our past. Tracing the earliest human activity in the world, some 2.6 million years ago! >pic.twitter.com/rum9e6MccT
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
3.53 p.m.: On the arrival of PM Modi and French President François Hollande cultural performances took place at Government Museum & Art Gallery.
3.33 p.m.: PM Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande at Government Museum & Art Gallery in Chandigarh.
3.28 p.m.: PM Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande arrive at Capitol Complex, Chandigarh.
After the Rock Garden, the Capitol Complex is where President >@fhollande and PM >@narendramodi are visiting. >pic.twitter.com/bVFWvS1UPN
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) >January 24, 2016
2.59 p.m.: French President Francois Hollande arrives at Rock Garden of Chandigarh, meets PM Narendra Modi.
A red carpet at the Rock Garden! PM >@narendramodi himself welcomes Prez >@fhollande at the famous sculpture garden >pic.twitter.com/2wXc18y0ye
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >January 24, 2016
At the Rock Garden in Chandigarh. >pic.twitter.com/WgnViQ8roN
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) >January 24, 2016
2.25 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Chandigarh and will be meeting French President Francois Hollande.
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Chandigarh. >pic.twitter.com/p5lSJ2AvB5
— ANI (@ANI_news) >January 24, 2016
1:57 pm: From Marseilles to Chandigarh
Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier was commissioned by the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to design the modern city of Chandigarh after the Partition of the subcontinent. Spanning five decades, Corbusier constructed important landmarks across Europe, Russia as well as North and South America. > More...
1:35 pm: Officials say the Rafale deal is unlikely to be concluded during the visit due to differences over pricing. > More...
1:22 pm: A French team of government and Dassault officials has been in Delhi for the last few days carrying out talks with their Indian counterparts. In addition, Dassualt CEO Eric Tripper and other French Defence industry heads are accompanying Mr. Hollande to India.
1:12 pm: Punjabi bhangra dancers performed to drum beats as Hollande stepped out of the aircraft
1:12 pm: Governor of Punjab and Haryana, Kaptan Singh Solanki, receives him at the Chandigarh airport.
1:10 pm: French President Francois Hollande arrives in Chandigarh.
1 pm: Chandigarh was under maximum security cover ahead of Hollande’s arrival.
12:30 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets:
A warm welcome to French President >@fhollande . We are honoured & delighted to have him as the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >January 24, 2016
President >@fhollande & I will meet in Chandigarh & Delhi. We will build on the ground covered during our previous interactions.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >January 24, 2016
