PM Modi meets French foreign minister, discuss bilateral ties

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Friday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him on recent developments in the bilateral relationship as follow-up to the latter's visit to France in June.

India-France strategic partnership is not limited to bilateral context, but acts as a force for peace and stability in regional and global context as well, said Modi in the meeting.

Previously Le Drian was the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs from 2012 to 2017, under President François Hollande.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi also said he looked forward to receiving President Macron in India at his earliest convenience.

Earlier in the day, Le Drian met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and reiterated strong commitment to further strengthen India-France strategic partnership.

The French minister arrived here on a two-day visit to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

His visit comes at a time when Modi-led government is defending acquisition of Rafale fighter jets against Congress' charges of concluding the deal at an exorbitant price.