'Indo-France trade to double'

French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont today said the bilateral trade between India and France was poised to double, to touch $ 10 billion by the year 2012.

Speaking at the launch of Schneider Electric's global manufacturing plat in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Bonnafont said aeronautics and industrial equipment would drive the growth in trade. Besides, France would also explore opportunities in biotechnology, nuclear energy, space and nano-technology.

"France wants to be India's strategic partner on the basis of their shared values. We also want to see India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council," he said.