Rajnath holds talks with President of French Republic Emmanuel Macron in Paris

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi  : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in Paris on October 8, 2019. Rajnath had arrived in Paris on October 7, 2019, on a two-day official visit to France.

During the talks, the two leaders comprehensively discussed key aspects of bilateral defence partnership and resolved to continue strengthening the ties between the two countries. “I thanked President Macron for his strong support to further intensifying our strategic partnership, especially in the defence sector, with India and for our ‘Make in India’ initiatives,” Rajnath said after the meeting. He also thanked the French President for the strong support by France to India’s strategic interests and principles including in fighting terrorism.

Earlier, Rajnath, on his arrival in Paris, had tweeted that France is India’s important strategic partner and its special relationship with India goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. He also said that his visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.

Rajnath also expressed his deepest condolences, on behalf of the Indian Government and its people, on the demise of former French President Jacques Chirac. He said that Chirac had played a decisive role in forging India-France Strategic Partnership.

Rajnath will later participate in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in Bordeaux along with French Minister for Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly. He is also scheduled to perform the ‘Shastra Puja’ on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami before flying a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft, according to a PIB release.