CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI:The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh on Sunday. The Prime Minister appreciated France for the manner in which it coordinated the CoP 21 negotiations. He recalled that President Hollande had spoken to him over phone and had shared the outline of the proposed agreement, shortly before it was announced.
The Prime Minister recalled the deadly terror attack in Paris a few days before the CoP-21 meeting, and said France has shown the way to combat terrorism without deviating from its core principles. He said India will stand shoulder to shoulder with France in the fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister spoke at length about the complementarities between India and France, and said both countries are in fact made for each other. Speaking about the security and defence sector, the Prime Minister said Indian talent and French manufacturing capability can together make the world a more secure place. In this context, he mentioned cyber-security as well.
The Prime Minister said French companies are well invested in India. He asserted that retrospective tax was a thing of the past, and a closed chapter. He mentioned the initiatives of Mission Innovation, involving India, US and France, and the International Solar Alliance. 16 MoUs and Agreements were exchanged at the Summit.
Earlier, Modi has warmly welcomed French President, François Hollande, on his arrival in India. The Prime Minister will meet President François Hollande in Chandigarh and Delhi.
“A warm welcome to French President François Hollande. We are honoured and delighted to have him as the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations.
President François Hollande and I will meet in Chandigarh and Delhi. We will build on the ground covered during our previous interactions”, the Prime Minister tweeted.
