Modi calls up Hollande, condemns Charlie Hebdo terror attack

New Delhi, Jan 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday spoke to French President Francois Hollande and condemned "in the strongest terms" the terror attack on French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in which 12 people, including four senior journalists, were killed.

Modi spoke on telephone to Hollande and also "conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of India and expressed solidarity with the people of France", said official sources.

He expressed confidence that President Hollande and the people of France will deal with this moment of grief and challenge with fortitude and that they will succeed in combating the forces of terrorism.

Modi "reaffirmed his commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation as a key element of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries", said the sources.

Hollande thanked Modi "for the telephone call and for the solidarity and support France had received from the people, government, political parties and media of India, adding this support from the world's largest democracy meant a lot to the people of France.

"He underlined his commitment to deepen India-France defence and security cooperation and looked forward to receiving prime minister in France this year," said the sources.

IANS