French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius began an important two-day visit to India, Monday, to discuss economic ties and a growing "strategic partnership" between the two nations, official sources said.
Fabius is the first major Western politician to visit India since the recent election of the new government.
Fabius will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, his office said.
Topping the agenda will be economic cooperation and trade issues, and Fabius seeks to encourage more Indian investment in France. He will also be emphasizing France's wish to see more partnerships between companies in both countries.
On defense, the two sides will be reviewing the lengthy discussions on a potential Indian purchase of more than 120 Rafale fighter-bombers for an estimated 10-12 billion Euros (USD 13-15 billion). India has granted "preferred negotiating status" to France to supply aircraft to the Indian air force, but details on technology transfer and local content are still being discussed.
Tourism, climate change, joint investment projects, and education and university exchanges will also be on the agenda.