Modi accorded ceremonial reception in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on Friday here as he began his two-day official visit to France.

Received by French President Francois Hollande, Modi was accorded the reception by the Republican Guard of France, where the national anthems of India and France were played.

Modi shook hands with Indian dignitaries, including Ajit Doval, national security adviser, who was present.

The prime minister arrived in Paris on the first leg of his Europe-Canada visit that began on Thursday.

Following the ceremony, Modi will hold two back-to-back round tables with top French CEOs, one focused on infrastructure and the other on defence technology.

He will visit the Unesco headquarters, and also attend a lunch at the French National Assembly, and meet some senior leaders.

In the late afternoon, he will call on Hollande at Elysee Palace, during which both sides will hold official talks.

The two leaders will be presented the report of the India-France CEOs Forum on ways to boost business ties. Both sides will ink MoUs and make press statements.

Modi and Hollande will also go on a boat ride on the Seine river, in a "nav pe charcha" moment.

Hollande will also host a banquet for Modi.