NSA Ajit Doval may meet French President Francois Hollande’s diplomatic advisor in Paris

NEW DELHI: National security adviser Ajit Kumar Doval could meet French President Francois Hollande’s diplomatic advisor Jacques Audibert later this month to intensify security cooperation including counter-terror partnership in the backdrop of the deadly terror strikes by the Islamic State in Paris.

Doval may meet Audibert on the sidelines of the climate change COP-21 Summit being held in Paris on November 29-30, people familiar with the matter indicated.

Doval is expected to accompany PM Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to participate in the summit. Officials said Doval and Audibert have decided to meet at the earliest opportunity, which could come up at the climate change meet. Doval and Audibert will cochair the dialogue which is expected to expand counter-terror cooperation and efforts at deradicalisation of extremist youth who have been influenced by the IS. The Indo-French Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism on intelligence sharing is also expected to meet in Delhi shortly.

At least 129 people were killed in a a series of coordinated terror attacks in and around Paris on November 13. This will be Modi’s maiden visit to Paris since the terrorist attack and he will host President Hollande as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi in January.

Hollande was among the three choices for the occasion including leaders of UK and Spain, an official aware of the matter said.