(VOVworld) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Paris on Thursday on the first leg of a visit to France, Germany and Canada. Economics, trade, and investment will top Modi’s agenda in France. He plans to involve more French companies in the “Make in India” initiative, the development of smart cities, and energy and technology cooperation, especially defense technology. Modi and French President Francois Hollande will discuss security issues including the threats posed by the Islamic State and Iran’s nuclear program, and a French contract to provide 126 Rafale fighter jets to India.
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| India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an event on financial inclusion in Mumbai April 2, 2015. (Photo: Reuters) |
During his trip to Germany, Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel will open the Hannover Messe industrial fair. Their talks are expected to take place next Monday.
Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Canada since the 1973 trip by Indira Gandhi. India and Canada will sign 2 important deals during Modi’s visit: the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a nuclear fuel supply deal.