In a bid to assure closer cooperation in the sphere of cyber security during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Paris beginning on August 22, India and France are likely to finalise a roadmap. As per the souces, new areas of cooperation such as super computing, artificial intelligence and developing digital technology among others will also be explored.
However, the main focus during Narendra Modi’s visit will be further strengthening strategic ties in key sectors such as defence, nuclear energy and maritime security, the sources further informed.
India and France signed an Euro 7.87-billion (Rs 59,000 crore approximately) deal on September 23, 2016 for 36 Rafale jets. The delivery of the aircraft will start from next month. According to the sources, France is likely to look for supply of more Rafale fighter jets to India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day State visit to France from August 22 during which he will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. From there, the prime minister will proceed for bilateral visits to the UAE and Bahrain, and will return to the French city of Biarritz on August 25 to attend the G7 Summit, where India has been invited as a partner country.