French President Francois Hollande arrived in Chandigarh this afternoon on a three-day visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the French President at the world famous rock garden in Chandigarh.<br/><br/>In the evening, the two leaders will address a CEO forum and India-French Business Summit at Chandigarh. Mr Hollande will depart from Chandigarh to New Delhi in the evening. <br/><br/>He will be accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan tomorrow. Later, he will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House. Thereafter signing of agreements in various key sectors will take place. <br/>On 26th, the French President will witness Republic Day parade at Rajpath as the chief guest. This is the fifth time that a serving President of France will be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day function which is itself a record. <br/><br/>On his arrival at Chandigarh, Mr Hollande said, he is pleased to be in India on the Republic Day. Speaking at Chandigarh Airport, he said, the aim of his visit is to strenghten the diplomatic, political and military cooperation between the two countries. He said, discussions will be held on bi-lateral Military cooperation and to improve strategic partnership. Mr. Hollande said, both the countries will work in partnership in different fields and will focus on regional security and anti-terrorism measures. He said, both the countries will also cooperate in services and information exchange. Talking about the Paris Climate Summit in December last year, the French President said, India and France have alliance in solar energy sector and France will cooperate with India to develop solar energy.<br/><br/>Both the leaders visited Chandigarh museum and art gallery. The museum which houses certain rare artefacts.<br/>At all the places which were visited by dignitaries, cultural programmes were held to welcome them.