Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed issues of international and mutual interests, including ways to enhance the strategic ties, countering terrorism and climate change.
The two leaders met at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the president of France.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted pictures of the two leaders.
A meeting to mark a new warmth and friendship. PM @narendramodi meets new French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris pic.twitter.com/BgNEcbzfZB
Modi arrived in France from Russia, where he held talks with President Vladimir Putin and attended an international economic forum. Before Russia, Modi also visited Germany and Spain and held talks with the top leadership there.
The two sides are expected to issue a joint declaration after the Modi-Macron meeting.
“I would be exchanging views with the French President on important global issues including UN Security Council reforms and India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council, India's membership of the various multilateral export control regimes, counter-terrorism cooperation, collaboration on climate change and International Solar Alliance,” Modi had said ahead of the visit.
France is India's ninth largest investment partner. France is also a key partner in India's development initiatives in areas like defense, space, nuclear and renewable energy, urban development and railways.
Prime Minister Modi had also called up Macron to congratulate him on his poll victory and said he looked forward to work with him to further deepen the bilateral ties.
Macron, 39, created history last month by becoming the youngest president of France.
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