President Francois Hollande arrives in New Delhi

New Delhi: French President Francois Hollande who is on a three-day visit to India, entered his second leg of the trip as he arrived in New Delhi on Sunday.

He was received by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar at the Air Force station, Palam.

Earlier today, the President arrived in Chandigarh where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following which they took a tour of the Rock Garden.

Addressing the India France Business Summit, the President said that his visit has two main goals during his visit- “consolidate strategic partnership with India and implement decisions taken during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France”.

On Monday, Hollande will be accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Later, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by signing of agreements in various key sectors.

On January 26, the French President will witness the 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.

Also, for the first time in independent India’s history, foreign troops (French troops) will be participating in the Republic Day parade. (ANI)