Terrorism, solar energy ties to be discussed during Hollande's visit

The two nations are likely to sign an agreement to develop Puducherry, Chandigarh and Nagpur as smart cities

The governments of France and India are likely to ink an agreement to develop Puducherry, Chandigarh and Nagpur as 'smart' cities during French President Francois Hollande’s state visit to India from Sunday.

Another agreement for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets by India is also on the anvil. Hollande is the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day Parade.

That apart, much of the discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him will be to strengthen cooperation to counter terrorism.

“The highlight will be terrorism in view of the situation we are in at present, the (French) state of emergency, military operations in Syria, Iraq and in Africa, the situation in India,” said French ambassador Francois Richier. As many as 130 people were killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris from the night of November 13.

On civil nuclear cooperation, the French envoy said Areva was being taken over by EDF, which operates 60 nuclear reactors in France. “So, EDF will now be in the lead for this kind of operation. That is creating a change in the way nuclear negotiations are being conducted,” he said.

He said a second focus would be climate change and both sides are to follow on the decisions taken at the Paris climate conference.

Solar energy will also be discussed. Modi had launched an 'International Solar Alliance (ISA)' during his visit to Paris in December to attend the climate change summit.

“There will be a new space programme in relation to observation and prevention of climate change. We will have projects in wind energy. Investment will be announced,” Richier said, adding there will also be cooperation in marine biotechnology.

Hollande arrives in Chandigarh on Sunday and will be the fifth French leader to be a chief guest at India’s R-Day celebrations, the highest number from any country so far. Earlier leaders from that country had come in 1976, 1980, 1998 and 2008.

French soldiers will also march down Rajpath on Republic Day along with Indian troops, a first for any foreign army. France had, similarly, accorded the honour to Indian troops to lead the Bastille Day Parade in Paris at the French National Day celebrations in 2009.

On Monday, Modi and Hollande will attend the foundation laying ceremony of the interim secretariat of the ISA at Gurgaon.