PM Narendra Modi on three-nation tour, lands in Paris

PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight arrived here on the first leg of his three-nation tour during which he will hold talks with French President Francois Hollande and meet business leaders.

During his four-day stay, Modi will hold talks with Hollande and meet business leaders. The focus of the talks will be civil nuclear, defence and trade.

A highlight of his stay in France will be a boat ride with Hollande, which is being described as 'naav pe charcha' (chat on boat). Earlier, Modi has had 'chai pe charcha' (chat over tea) with foreign leaders, including President Barack Obama during his visit to New Delhi in January.

In France, the Prime Minister will also visit the World War-I memorial and pay tributes to about 10,000 Indians who lost their lives while fighting alongside France.

He will also visit UNESCO headquarters, Airbus facility and French space agency office.

India is hoping that French companies will participate in the 'Make in India' programme initiated by Modi.

After wrapping up the first leg of his tour, Modi will head to Germany, where business and technology will be the focus his engagements aimed at attracting participation in the 'Make in India' campaign.

In the third and last leg of his tour, Modi will travel to Canada, marking the first standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 42 years.