India, France reiterate need for finalisation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], Jan. 8 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said both India and France reiterated the need for early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. It further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault discussed international terrorism of which both the nations had been victims. Both sides affirmed the close strategic partnership between India and France which had received a further fillip with the closure of the Rafale deal. The French Foreign Minister quipped that bilateral ties should now move forward with the speed of Rafale. There was a comprehensive review of bilateral relations including defence where Prime Minister Modi reiterated the call for 'Make in India' in defence, cooperation in civil nuclear energy with particular reference to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power plant, and space where both sides acknowledged the significant potential for win -win partnerships given India's capability for low cost launches. On economic cooperation, the French Foreign Minister said French companies had invested more than 20 million Euros in India and he was looking forward to his participation in Vibrant Gujarat which would provide further opportunities for French companies to invest in India. In this context, he looked forward to an early discussion on a revised Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement with the EU. The two leaders also discussed French participation in sustainable development for Indian cities where more than 60 French companies are working in sectors such as transport, water and waste management. The French Foreign Minister appreciated India's ratification of the Paris COP21 agreement which he said had sent a very strong signal of India's commitment to combating climate change. He said the French Government was looking forward to working with india on the path breaking International Solar Alliance. The French Foreign Minister reiterated its support for India's membership of NSG and candidature as a permanent member in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. (ANI)