NEW DELHI: Civil nuclear cooperation, enhancing economic partnership, permanent membership for India in the reformed UN Security Council and reforms in the international financial architecture are expected figure prominently in the summit level talks between the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the French President Mr. Nicholas Sarkozy here on Monday. Dr. Manmohan Singh hosted a private dinner in the honour of Nicholas Sarkozy, his wife Carla Bruni and his ministerial team tonight. Mr. Sarkozy reached here this evening after his trip to historic Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. According to AIR international issues besides dealing with the growing menace of terrorism in this region, posing threat to international peace and security will be at the centre of summit level talks on Monday. Enhancing partnership in defence, space, education, research, healthcare, agriculture, climate change and sustainable development will also be high on the table.
Sarkozy set the tone for the delegation level talks on the first day of his four-day visit to India in Bangalore. He reiterated France’s support for India’s candidacy for an expanded United Nations Security Council and New Delhi’s bid to join the top nuclear clubs including the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The issues like reforms in the international financial institutions at G-20 and nuclear non proliferation are also expected to be flagged off prominently during the summit-level talks.The two sides are likely to sign some key agreements at the end of the delegation level talks. Realising the full potential of economic engagement with a level playing field and strengthening people to people contacts is essential to put the relationship on a higher pedestal.
During his stay in the national capital Mr. Sarkozy will call on the President Mrs. Patibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhawan and also exchange views with the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. He will also attend a reception by the French Community in Delhi. The French President will leave for Mumbai on Tuesday to pay homage to the victims of 2008 terror attacks and confer french honours to senior executives of Oberoi and Taj Hotels for their extra ordinary services during the attack. Before leaving for home the same evening from Mumbai, Mr. Sarkozy will also deliver the valedictory address at the Indo French business meet which is expected to be attended over 300 business leaders from the two countries.