'Have requested French Prez for 36 Rafale fighter jets as quickly as possible': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he has requested French President Francois Hollande for 36 Rafale jets in fly away condition as quickly as possible.

"I have requested French President for 36 Rafale jets in fly away condition as quickly as possible," said Prime Minister Modi.

He further promised to facilitate Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for French citizens travelling to India.

"We will also cooperate in modernization of Indian Railways. I'm glad to announce that we will facilitate Electronic System for Travel Authorization for French citizens travelling to India. I'm also grateful to France for their support for India's permanent membership of UN Security Council," This is my first visit to Europe; this visit indicates our deep and close relationship with France. We are two democratic countries with same values and principles. President Hollande has extended full cooperation in our 'Make In India' campaign in defence sector which is not just a programme, but an ambition," he said.

"India and France have completed 50 years in space cooperation, glad we have released a joint postal stamp today. France can contribute immensely in development of India; it will help in economic growth of France as well," he added.

Earlier in the day, French President Francois Hollande said that both the countries are working together to ensure stability and an environment of peace and added that France was looking forward to India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The two leaders also released stamps to mark 50 years of Indo-French cooperation and held a meeting wherein they reviewed relations between the two countries and discussed matters pertaining to defence, nuclear, economics, cultural, educational and people to people ties.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the august gathering at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris earlier in the day.

The Prime Minister, who is currently on the first leg on his three-nation nine-day tour, arrived at the UNESCO headquarters at Place de Fontenoy, Paris today.

Prime Minister Modi was also accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Prime Minister Modi will reach the German city of Hannover on Sunday on the second leg of his visit. He will reach Canadian capital Ottawa on Tuesday on the final leg of his visit.