French foreign minister Laurent Fabius in India for climate, terror talks

NEW DELHI: Amid heightened threat of IS in Europe after the Paris attacks, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius arrived here Thursday for a day-long visit. While his trip to India is mostly in his capacity as Chair of the upcoming Paris Climate Change Conference in Paris, Indian officials said Fabius will also call on PM Narendra Modi and have a meeting with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

"We have a robust security cooperation with France. France is a longstanding and trusted strategic partner of India and during the visit of Fabius, there will be discussions on latest attack in Paris and how India and France can further step up their mutual cooperation in the area of combating terrorism," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

The French embassy said in a statement that during his visit, Fabius will meet Indian authorities regarding the preparations for COP21. He will also discuss the joint launch by President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the International Solar Alliance proposed by India.

On November 20, Fabius will address a joint press conference with Prakash Javadekar, minister of state (independent charge) of environment, forest and climate change.

Fabius will be accompanied by Laurence Tubiana, Ambassador for Climate Change Negotiations and Special Representative for COP21.