French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Hyderabad House and signed a number of agreements. Earlier in the day, Macron, who is in India on a four-day visit, was given a ceremonial welcome. The French president also met with his counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
After inspecting a guard of honour and meeting with other officials, Macron said, "I am very happy and proud of this visit. I thank the President (Kovind) and Prime Minister (Modi) for this welcome. I think we have a very good chemistry and our two great democracies have a historic relationship."
"Another chapter in the glorious book of our friendship! PM @narendramodi welcomes President of France @EmmanuelMacron at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the bilateral talks," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.
AS IT HAPPENED
01:42 pm: India and France ink 14 pacts to boost cooperation, including in security, nuclear energy after Modi-Macron talks.
01:40 pm: In the next couple of days, I and French President Macron will continue our discussions on strengthening our ties: PM Modi
01:39 pm: We are now initiating a joint strategic vision between India and France to strengthen the Indian Ocean projects: PM Modi
01:38 pm: There is no sector on which India and France cannot work together or are not discussing: PM Modi
01:37 pm: We want the youth of our countries to know and learn about the cultures of both India and France: PM Modi
01:36 pm: Liberty, equality and fraternity not only echo in France, but are also deeply embedded in India's constitution: PM Modi
01:25 pm: PM Modi and French President Macron issue joint statement in Delhi.
10:43 am: French President Emmanuel Macron meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
09:50 am: French President and wife Brigitte Macron pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
09:45 am: The French President stated that the visit would open a new era of strategic partnership in the coming decades.
09:44 am: "Our two democracies have common channels like terrorism, lots of common risks and common threats. But we have to protect this history and the state for freedom," President Macron added.
09:42 am: The French president said that Prime Minister Modi would host a dinner for the French delegation at the International Solar Conference (ISA) and the latter would chair the conference on Sunday.
09:40 am: President Macron said that both India and France were committed to addressing climatic change and termed it as a 'critical battle' not only for the two countries but for the other countries as well.
09:38 am: The French president called for his country to be India's best partner in Europe.
09:35 am: "I want my country to be the best partner in Europe. This is a strong message. I want Indian citizens coming to France for studying, becoming entrepreneurs and opening start-ups."
09:30 am: French President Macron, who is on a four-day India visit, was received at the airport by PM Modi in a special gesture on Friday.
