French President Francois Hollande is set to reach Mumbai any time now.

Yesterday, Hollande who is in Delhi, asked India to "convince" its "close friend" Tehran to enter into serious negotiations and respect international obligations with regard to nuclear non-proliferation. Hollande also extended an olive branch to Iran during a public lecture in Delhi, saying the people of France also consider them as "friends" and urged the oil- rich nation to fulfil its obligations.

Calling India a "power of peace", Hollande strongly pitched for the country getting a full-fledged membership at the United Nations Security Council while observing that the security of the world needs India's presence.

Delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture to a distinguished audience at the Nehru Memorial Library here, he lavished praise on Indian democracy, its secularism and its "most popular" cinema which is celebrating its 100th year. In his 25-minute speech during which he spoke at length about international and domestic issues, the French President asked India to use its friendship and influence with Iran to bring it to negotiating table on its controversial nuclear programme.