PM Modi and French President Hollande met for 'restricted talks' at Hyderabad House this afternoon. India and France are set for a new partnership in counter-terror cooperation, the visiting French President, and the PM indicated on Sunday. In separate speeches at the CEO forum in Chandigarh yesterday, they underscored the need for the two countries to work together on fighting terror and enhancing their strategic partnership.

After the restricted level talks, discussions continued over a working lunch. Reports say that it seems unlikely that the Rs 60,000-crore Rafale jet deal will be signed today, but the two leaders are expected to send out a strong message on terror. The French President is the chief guest for Republic Day celebration on Tuesday.

On Monday, both leaders held bilateral talks, during which they are likely to discuss upgrading the "special and strategic partnership" signed in 1998. For the past few months, officials have been discussing a closer engagement on counter-terrorism cooperation on the lines of the India-US. homeland security dialogue, sources said.


MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweets this picture of the Indo-French delegation, "Nourishment for a broad based relationship. PM @narendramodi hosts a working lunch for President @fhollande."