Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris last night on a two-day visit to France. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb welcomed Prime Minister at the airport. In a tweet, Mr Modi said his visit to Paris will enhance bilateral relations between India and France. He said his visit to France, which is India’s one of the most important strategic partners, is vital.

France is the last leg of the four-nation European tour. Mr Modi will hold meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron today. Talking to AIR, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss entire gamut of bilateral relations.

Trade and investment and counter terrorism are likely to dominate the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Increasing bilateral trade as well as participation of French companies in India is also expected to be in the focus during the talks. France is India’s ninth largest investment partner.

The total trade in goods between France and India was 8.54 billion Euro. Almost one thousand French companies are present in India with a total turnover of more than 20 billion dollars. On the other hand, there are about 120 Indian companies are operating in France.

New Delhi and Paris have strong cooperation in areas like civil nuclear energy, defence and space. The visit of the Prime Minister is crucial for the ties between the two countries as well as also an opportunity to give a strong direction to the bilateral relationship.