Hollande in Chandigarh, to meet Modi at Rock Garden (Third Lead)

French President Francois Hollande arrived here on Sunday on a three-day India visit, and will be welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the city's Rock Garden.

Hollande will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday.

He was received at the Chandigarh airport by Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher and senior officers.

"A warm welcome to French President Hollande. We are honoured and delighted to have him as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations," Modi tweeted.

"Hollande and I will meet in Chandigarh and Delhi," Modi said. "We will build on the ground covered during our previous interactions," Modi added.

Hollande was given a colourful welcome at the airport by traditional 'Gidda' and 'Bhangra' dancers of Punjab.

The French president headed from the airport to Hotel Taj, where he will stay during his five-hour stop in the city.

Chandigarh was put under maximum security cover ahead of the arrival of the French president.

Later on Sunday, Hollande and Modi will meet and address CEOs of French and Indian companies at a business summit to be held here.

Both the leaders will visit the Rock Garden and Capitol Complex in Sector 1 and the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10.