French President Sarkozy arrives in India

New Delhi, Jan 25: French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived here today on a two-day official visit to further enhance trade and business ties between the two countries.

Sarkozy will be the chief guest for this year's Republic Day celebrations. He will also meet the Indian leadership and discuss on several issues of bilateral and multilateral importance. Sarkozy will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this afternoon and hold talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides will issue a joint statement spelling out a "strategic roadmap" for future cooperation between the two countries.

A number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of defence, railways, science and technology and education will also be signed after the delegation level talks.

Sarkozy is expected to discuss the possibility of civil nuclear cooperation between France and India.

The intention of civil nuclear cooperation was spelt out in a joint statement after summit talks between the two countries in 2005-06.

The document on civil nuclear cooperation will, however, not be signed as France is awaiting the finalisation of a safeguards agreement between India and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a change of rules of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Both sides will also outline plans to enhance economic ties.

Later in the day, Sarkozy will call on President Pratibha Patil and hold discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L. K. Advani and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Before leaving for Paris on Saturday, Sarkozy will visit Agra.

President Sarkozy is accompanied by a high level ministerial and business delegation.

ANI