TIA NEWS /

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, Mr. Francois Hollande, travel on Delhi metro on way to Gurgaon on January 25, 2016.

India and France today inked an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on the sale of 36 French fighter jets, Rafale. This agreement was among the 14 pacts signed between the two countries after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting French President Francois Hollande which focused ways to enhance cooperation in counter- terrorism, security and civil nuclear energy.

The exchanges of agreement took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande.

Speaking on this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that terrorism is enemy of humanity and human values. Prime Minister also said expressed happiness over the signing of agreement for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts.

Prime Minister also said that smart cities, locomotives, railway tracks and nuclear power are all foundations for building a new commercial partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister also thanked French president for his visit to India.

On his part, expressing concerns over recent incidents of terrorism, French President said that they are united in fight against terrorism.

French President, Francois Hollande who is on a three-day visit to India as the chief guest for 2016 Republic Day Parade was accorded a ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday.

After the ceremonial reception the French President said Strengthening India-French cooperation against terrorism is priority.

He also listed out cooperation in economic relations, agriculture and space as important for bilateral relations between the countries.

Hollande also appreciated PM Modi’s role in Climate change conference held at Paris last December and said the PM played a very important role in the success of summit.

He also asserted that France will not be deterred by the threat of ISIS.

In the morning French President Francois Hollande paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Rajghat.

French President also planted a tree in Rajghat