India and France are also hoping to get an agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors that could lead to greater indigenisation of components and services for the reactors. During Macron's visit, both countries are expected to sign agreements that will allow India logistics access to French military bases in the Indian Ocean.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that days of votebank politics on the basis of caste and community are over. He brands the SP-BSP arrangement a "deal" and does not believe it will impact the bypolls. "BSP extending support to SP is no alliance, it is a deal. It is an 'apavitra' (sinful) deal, a mockery of people's sentiments," he said.

Sitharaman, on her part, said the Indian government "regularly takes up the issues" arising along the 4,057-km line of actual control with China through diplomatic channels and established mechanisms, including border personnel meetings, flag meetings and meetings of the "Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs". But the Indian security establishment believes PLA soldiers may return in "greater numbers" to the Doklam area (or Dolam Plateau) for some more muscle-flexing after the winters.

These loans amount to Rs 5,100 crore and were availed by group companies Diamond R US, Solar Export and Stellar Diamond. Countering CBI's submissions made during the remand hearing of Sanjay Rambhia, who has been doing the companies' audits since 2001, his lawyer said that he had done his job and pointed out the transactions to the tax authorities. He said that instead of being made an accused, Rambhia could be the "best witness".