The French President Nicolas Sarkozy is arriving in New Delhi this afternoon to hold delegation level talks with Prime Minister Dr, Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House in New Delhi tomorrow. Dr. Singh is hosting a dinner in honour of the visiting dignitary at his residence this evening. AIR Correspondent reports Defence, Nuclear Power, and sustainable development will dominate the summit level talks. The French President is accompanied by seven Ministers and a Business delegation. Several important pacts are likely to be signed after the talks. The two leaders will also address a joint press conference after the talks. During the stay in National Capital Mr. Sarkozy will call on the President, Mrs. Patina Devi Singh Patil at Rashtpati Bhawan and also exchange views with the Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari. He will also attend a reception by the French Community in Delhi.The French President will leave for Mumbai to pay homage to the victims of 2008 terror attacks and confer french honours to senior executives of Oberoi and Taj Hotels for their extra ordinary services during the attack. Before leaving for home on Tuesday evening from Mumbai, Mr. Sarkozy will also deliver the valedictory address and Indo French business meet which is expected to be attended over 300 business leaders from the two countries.Addressing the scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation in Bangalore yesterday , French President Nicolas Sarkozy supported India's civil nuclear programme and New Delhi's entry in to Nuclear Suppliers Group – NSG. He said, there is need to put an end to nuclear isolation of India. He fully supported India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.President Sarkozy also said that terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan is a major source of instability in the world. Condemning the 26/11 attacks, he said any such strike on India is an attack on democracy and all democracies stand by India. Praising India's role in Afghanistan, the French President said the world cannot afford to lose the war against Taliban. Speaking about Indo-French ties, Sarkozy said that his country has been a good friend of India. Showering praise on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, he said the Indian leader was obsessed with peace through development and eradication of poverty. He said, India and France are united by common values and believe that international relations should not be governed by brutality or force. It should be based on dialogue and rule of law.
News On AIR | December 5, 2010 2:01 PM
PM, Sarkozy talks: Defence & Nuclear power to be high on agenda