India, France need to boost cooperation againsts terrorism: French President Hollande

French President Francois Hollande was accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. President Pranab Mukherjee formally welcomed his French counterpart at a grand ceremony. Mr Hollande was given Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his several Cabinet colleagues were present on the occasion. Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar, who is President Hollande's minister-in-waiting during the visit, was also present at the occasion.

Talking to media after being accorded ceremonial reception, Mr Hollande said, India and France needs to strengthen cooperation to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestation as its threat is hovering around the world. He said the two countries will also focus on increasing its cooperation in economic engagements as well



as in space and agriculture. Mr Hollande also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in COP 21 Paris climate change summit. 

Replying to a media query, he said, France will not be deterred by the threat of terror outfit ISIS. He said efforts will be made to eliminate ISIS. 

Mr Hollande Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the French President. The two leaders emphasized on the cultural connect between the two countries. It is believed that Mr Hollande and Mrs Swaraj discussed issues of mutual concern. 

Earlier, Mr Hollande laid a wreath at Rajghat and paid tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Mr Hollande will hold bilateral talks with Mr Modi at Hyderabad House. Thereafter signing of agreements in various key sectors will take place.