India, France has a deep friendship, mutual respect for each other: Laurent Fabius

Summarizing the relationship between India and France as 'trust and partnership', French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Monday said that both countries have a deep friendship and mutual respect for each other.

"I think we can summarize the relationship between India and France as trust and partnership," said Fabius, who met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj earlier in the day.

He said that he had had a fruitful conversation with Sushma Swaraj, and added that he will also be meeting Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley.

He will also be delivering an invite on the behalf of French Prime Minister Francois Hollande to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he meets him on Tuesday.

"I assured the Indian External Affairs Minister of the deep friendship between Indian people and French people. Both the countries are proud of their sovereignty and are committed to the same democratic values. I would like to reaffirm the confidence and mutual respect for each other," said Fabius.

He also said that France has high ambition for partnership with India, which is equally shared by the new Indian Government.

"We have to build this relationship together through concrete steps. Trust and cooperation has been built in 'strategic partnership'," he added.

He also pointed out that French companies have invested more than 18 billion dollars in India but the bilateral trade is still way behind its potential.

He also said that there is huge potential in infrastructure, urban development, transportation, food and beverages, and health sector.