Paris: Having wrapped up the first leg of his three-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked the French government and its people after a successful visit there, the main highlight of which was the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets.
Tweeting in French, Modi wrote “Merci la France” and said he would “cherish the enthusiasm”.
Merci la France ! Un champ substantiel a été couvert. Merci au gouvernement et peuple français. Conserverons toujours cet enthousiasme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
Thank you France! Substantial ground was covered during my visit. Thankful to French Govt & people. Will always cherish the enthusiasm.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
In France, Modi also presented to President Francois Hollande a painting titled “Tree of Life”.
The painting, which has been created by an Odisha artist, Bhaskar Mahapatra, reflects “traditional societal respect for nature in India”.
“With multiple roots & branches like a banyan tree, it symbolises tree’s benevolence, fruit, seeds, shelter, healing, procreation and regeneration faculties that sustain life and clean the environment,” tweeted PMO India.
Presented the painting, 'Tree of Life' to President @fhollande http://t.co/vsvRhSaJAE pic.twitter.com/wFJdbwC2HZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2015
France was the first destination of Modi's three-nation tour that will take him to Germany and Canada as well.
The Prime Minister left Paris for Hannover where India is a partner country in its international fair.
Besides the crucial jet deal, Modi during his three-day stay in France, also made a stong pitch for “Make-in-India campaign and signed about 20 pacts in areas like civil nuclear energy, urban development, railways and space.
France pledged 2 billion Euros for sustainable development in India as the Prime Minister invited investments and technology from this country.
Modi also visited the the manufacturing facility of aircraft manufacturer Airbus which announced its decision to enhance outsourcing in India from 400 million Euros to 2 billion Euros over the next five years.
It also expressed keen interest in manufacturing in India by participating in the 'Make-in-India' programme.
Modi and Hollande, who held detailed discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, pledged to push two-day investments and trade.
After his talks with Hollande, the Prime Minister said he was confident that the strategic partnership will go to a new height.
The Indian decision to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in fly-way condition "as quickly as possible" marks bypassing of the log-jammed deal for supply of 126 aircraft.
With PTI Inputs
