French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, and invited him to visit France.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and expand their bilateral relationship.
Welcoming the Minister, Modi remarked that yesterday he had an opportunity to witness the launch of the French satellite, SPOT-7, which was placed in orbit by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from Sriharikota.
Recalling the strategic and friendly ties between the two countries, Modi sought French cooperation in the field of urban planning and heritage conservation.
Observing that France had provided technical support for the Ahmedabad Heritage Project, Modi said India planned to build heritage cities and 100 new smart cities. France has the expertise to help us in this regard, he added.
The Prime Minister also sought French cooperation in the fields of tourism, skill development and low-cost defence manufacturing.
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The French Foreign Minister said France was keen to expand the cooperation and the relationship, following the assumption of office by the new Government in India.
He discussed the student exchange programme, and further deepening of the technological cooperation between the two countries. The issue of terrorism also figured in the talks.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, Ambassador of India to France Arun Singh, Ambassador of France to India Francois Richier and other officials.