Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy meets PM Narendra Modi, presses for global action against terror

NEW DELHI: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy today joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in pressing for concrete action by the global community against the threat of terrorism against the backdrop of attacks in Paris, Brussels and Pathankot.

"Met the former President of France, Mr. @NicolasSarkozy," Modi tweeted along with a photograph of shaking hands with the former French President.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office later said that Modi and Sarkozy condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Pathankot, Brussels and other parts of the world, and called for concrete action by the global community against the threat of terrorism.

Sarkozy congratulated Modi for the positive role played by India for the success of COP-21 Summit in Paris last year, it added.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Sarkozy on the publication and success of his recent book, 'La France pour la vie'.

Earlier, Sarkozy met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during which they discussed challenge of combating terrorism and reform of UN Security Council.

He conveyed to Swaraj that not making India a permanent member of the UN Security Council would be "an error".

"Always time for an old friend of India. EAM receives former French Prez @NicolasSarkozy at Hyderabad House," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

Sarkozy was President of France from 2007 to 2012 during which ties between the two countries witnessed an upswing.