Union defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris on Tuesday.
The union defence minister arrived in Paris on Monday for a two-day official visit to France.
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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 defence sector, with India and for our ‘Make in India’ initiatives,” Rajnath Singh said after the meeting.
Had an excellent meeting with the President of France Mr. @EmmanuelMacron at Elysee Palace in Paris today.
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We had a comprehensive discussion covering a wide range of issues. pic.twitter.com/WFInexU8sm
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019
Earlier, defence minister Rajnath 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.
Also read: Defence minister Rajnath Singh receives first Rafale combat jet
The Indian defence minister also said his visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his deepest condolences, on behalf of the Indian Government and its people, upon the demise of former French President Jacques Chirac, saying Chirac had played a decisive role in forging India-France Strategic Partnership.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh later participated in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in Bordeaux along with French minister of armed forces Florence Parly.
Rajnath Singh also performed the ‘Shastra Puja’ on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami before flying a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft.
On Tuesday, Rajnath Singh received the first Rafale combat jet and also became the first Indian defence minister to fly in a Rafale jet.
Rajnath Singh while making India’s stand over purchasing of arms, tweeted: “We do not purchase arms and other defence equipments to threaten any country but to increase our capabilities & strengthen our defences.”
“The credit for the acquisition of the Rafale jets must go to PM @narendramodi. His decisiveness has greatly benefited our national,” he added.
We do not purchase arms and other defence equipments to threaten any country but to increase our capabilities & strengthen our defences.
The credit for the acquisition of the Rafale jets must go to PM @narendramodi . His decisiveness has greatly benefited our national security.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2019