PM Narendra Modi thanks France as he wraps up first visit

Paris, Apr 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked France and wrapped up his first visit here that saw the two nations elevate their strategic ties to a new level as they agreed on a deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets and decided to move ahead with the log-jammed Jaitapur nuclear project.

"Thank you France! Substantial ground was covered during my visit. Thankful to French Govt & people. Will always cherish the enthusiasm," Modi tweeted in both English and French while leaving Paris for Germany.

With 'Make-in-India' being the theme, the two sides signed about 20 pacts, covering areas like civil nuclear energy, urban development, railways and space.

During the three-day stay here, France pledged 2 billion Euros for sustainable development in India as the Prime Minister invited investments and technology from this country.

Modi also visited the the manufacturing facility of aircraft manufacturer Airbus which announced its decision to enhance outsourcing in India from 400 million Euros to 2 billion Euros over the next five years.

It also expressed keen interest in manufacturing in India by participating in the 'Make-in-India' programme.

Modi and Hollande, who held detailed discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, pledged to push two-day investments and trade.

After his talks with Hollande, the Prime Minister said he was confident that the strategic partnership will go to a new height.

The Indian decision to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-way condition "as quickly as possible" marks bypassing of the log-jammed deal for supply of 126 aircraft.

For this, an inter-governmental agreement will be signed under "separate terms and conditions" which will be discussed by officials.

"The two leaders agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement for supply of the aircraft on terms that would be better than that conveyed as part of a separate process underway," a Joint Statement said.

"The delivery would be in time-frame that would be compatible with the operational requirement of IAF and the aircraft and associated systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as had been tested and approved by Indian Air Force and with a longer maintenance responsibility by France," it added.

France was the first destination of Modi's three-nation tour that will take him to Germany and Canada as well.

The Prime Minister left Paris for Hannover where India is a partner country in its international fair.

PTI