India and France will further discuss ways to enhance already “robust” security cooperation in the aftermath of Paris terror strikes when French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius will meet top leadership here including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Though Mr. Fabius is visiting in his capacity of incoming Chair of the Paris Climate Change Conference to be held from November 30 to December 11, he will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on key bilateral issues other than meeting ministers concerned regarding the preparations for the conference.
“We have a robust security cooperation with France. France is a longstanding and trusted strategic partner of India and during the visit of Fabius, there will be discussions on latest attack in Paris and how India and France can further step up their mutual cooperation in the area of combating terrorism,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
During his day-long visit here, the French dignitary will meet Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal, Minister with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy. Mr. Fabius’ trip here constitutes the first leg his tour for holding a series of consultations in South Africa, Brazil and Canada to prepare for the COP21 meet.
Asked about the security cooperation with other countries in the face of grave threat from ISIS, Mr. Swarup said security cooperation remained a focus of most of the foreign visits undertaken by Mr. Modi including to UAE, Bangladesh and the UK.
