India and France on Thursday agreed to strengthen counter terrorism and intelligence cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to media, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said he and France President Francois Hollande exchanged views on a number of bi-lateral, regional and multilateral issues.

Dr Singh said both the leaders reviewed progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear power project and reiterated commitment to its early impelementation as soon as the commercial and technical negotiations are completed.

Dr Singh said both the leaders also concluded negotiations on the short range surface to Air missile to be co-produced in India.

AIR correspondent reports, both the leaders also agreed on the need to reinvigorate economic engagement between the two countries.

France President Mr Hollande said his country is ready to host more Indian students as there are only 3,000 Indian students in the country.

Mr Hollande said both the leaders had in-depth discussion on the defence cooperation issue including submarines and missiles. Mr Hollande said there are 750 French companies doing business in India and urged more Indian investments in France.

He said France will celebrate the centenary of Indian cinema at the Cannes Film Festival.

MoUs on Railways, Culture, Education and in the Space Research were signed between two countries after the delegation level talks between Dr Singh and Mr Hollande.