Paris. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in Paris on October 8.

The Defence Minister had arrived in Paris on October 7 for a two-day official visit to France. During the talks, the two leaders comprehensively discussed key aspects of bilateral defence partnership and resolved to continue strengthening the ties between the two countries.

“I thanked President Macron for his strong support to further intensifying our strategic partnership, especially in the defence sector, with India and for our ‘Make in India’ initiatives”, Singh said after the meeting. He also thanked the French President for the strong support by France to India’s strategic interests and principles, including in fighting terrorism.

Earlier, Singh on his arrival in Paris had tweeted that France is India’s important strategic partner and its special relationship with India goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. He said that his visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.

The Defence Minister also expressed his deepest condolences, on behalf of the Indian Government and its people, upon the demise of former French President Jacques Chirac, saying Mr Chirac had played a decisive role in forging India-France Strategic Partnership.

Singh later participated in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in Bordeaux along with French Minister of Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly. He was also scheduled to perform the ‘Shastra Puja’ on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami before flying a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft.