Sarkozy arrives tomorrow; N-coop, defence pact on agenda

NEW DELHI: Talks on nuclear cooperation and a multi-billion dollar defence agreement will be the highlight of visit of French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who arrives here tomorrow to give "fresh impetus" to the strategic ties with India.

The two sides will also discuss ways to enhance trade and business ties during Sarkozy's two-day maiden visit here, which is marked by the suspense over whether the President's girlfriend and former supermodel Carla Bruni would be accompanying him.

Sarkozy, the 'Guest of Honour' at the Republic Day celebrations, will be accompanied by a high level delegation of ministers and top executives of French business groups.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy will hold talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

After the talks, the two sides will issue a joint statement spelling out a "strategic roadmap" for future cooperation between the two countries, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

A framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation is expected to be unveiled, making clear France's willingness to sign it whenever India is ready with safeguards pact with IAEA and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) exemptions.

The two sides will also sign a 1.5 billion euro pact under which France will upgrade India's ageing 52 Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft to the Mirage-2009 levels.

The two sides will also outline plans to enhance the business ties and set ambitious trade targets. Bilateral trade has more than doubled in the last three years and currently stands at 6.23 billion dollars.