Paris terror attack: PM Narendra Modi speaks to French President Francois Hollande

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to French President Francois Hollande over the terror attack in Paris and reaffirmed his commitment to enhance Indo-French counter-terrorism cooperation as a key element.

During a telephone call to Hollande, Modi condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms and expressed confidence that the President and the French people will deal with this moment of grief and challenge with fortitude.

The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of India and expressed solidarity with France during the conversation with Hollande, who underlined his commitment to deepen India-France defence and security cooperation.

"Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to counter -terrorism cooperation as a key element of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries ," the Prime Minister's Office said, adding Modi also expressed confidence that France will succeed in combating the forces of terrorism.

The French President thanked Modi for the solidarity and support France had received from the people, government, political parties and media of India, saying this support from the world's largest democracy meant a lot to the people of France.

In the worst terrorist attack in France in half-a- century, 12 people were killed in the Islamist massacre at Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris on Wednesday.

Hollande said he looked forward to receiving the Prime Minister in France this year.