France says it stands with India in fight against terror

NEW DELHI: Days after the Uri attack, France today said it stands with India in the fight against terrorism and expressed resolve to strengthen counter-terror cooperation with it.

The French position was conveyed by its Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he called on him here.

During the meeting, Le Drian expressed condolences for the victims of the cross-border terrorist attack in Uri on September 18, a PMO statement said.

He expressed resolve to strengthen bilateral counter- terrorism cooperation with India and said France stands with it in the fight against terrorism, the statement added.

Le Drian briefed the Prime Minister on the current status of bilateral defence cooperation.

Modi welcomed the signing of the inter-governmental agreement on purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft from France earlier in the day, and called for its speedy and timely implementation.

India and France signed the Euro 7.87-billion (Rs 59,000 crore approx) deal for 35 Rafale fighter jets, equipped with latest missiles and weapon system besides multiple India- specific modifications.

The agreement was signed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Le Drian 16-months after Modi announced India's plans to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in flyaway condition during his trip to France.