New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron are holding delegation level talks here on Saturday.
"Another chapter in the glorious book of our friendship! PM @narendramodi welcomes President of France, @EmmanuelMacron at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the bilateral talks," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
During the talks, both the leaders are expected to review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Several agreements are expected to be signed between two sides. Earlier in the morning, the French President was accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Sharing his views on Indo-French ties, Mr Macron said, India and France are two great democracies having a historic and long-term relationship. "We have to protect this history," he said.
"Our aim is to begin a new era in ties between our two countries. For France, India is our priority and has always been. India has been France's first ally in the region. It is the entry point for France in the region, and my aim is to make France the entry point for India to Europe," he said.
"I think we (India and France) have very good chemistry. Our two great democracies have a historic relationship," he emphasised.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary.
"A strategic partnership since 1998! EAM @Sushma Swaraj called on President of France @Emmanuel Macron and exchanged views on further enhancing our strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties," Mr Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
He also visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also met Mr Macron. During the meeting both the leaders exchanged views on further enhancing strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties.
The visiting leader will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind. Mr Macron arrived in New Delhi on Friday night on a four-day visit to India.
A senior official in the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has a very deep engagement with France issues of maritime security and terrorism are also expected in parleys between two sides.
