Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in the French capital on Thursday, will on Friday begin his diplomatic engagements after receiving a ceremonial welcome in the morning.
A highlight of his Friday’s schedule will be a boat ride with French President François Hollande, which has being named 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.
On the first leg of his three-nation visit, the PM is scheduled to attend two back-to-back round tables: one with French CEOs discussing infrastructure as a theme and the second will deal with defence technology as a theme.
Modi will meet French President Hollande after speaking before the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
After speaking at UNESCO, the PM will attend a lunch hosted by the National Assembly president.
Later, he will meet the French President and will hold a private conversation before holding bilateral talks. The two leaders will receive a report of Indo-French CEOs forum. Then they will take a boat ride on the Seine, before President Hollande hosts a banquet for the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s special Air India aircraft landed at the Orly International Airport late Thursday night.
He was received at the airport by French Minister Sergolene Royal and other senior French officials. Many members of the Indian community were gathered at the airport to greet the Prime Minister.
From France, Modi will travel to Germany where again business and technology will be the focus with intent of attracting participation in ‘Make in India’.
He will first visit the Hannover Fair where India is a partner country this year. About 400 Indian companies are participating in the fair which will see the presence of about 100-120 Indian CEOs besides about 3000 German delegates.
The Prime Minister will fly to Germany on April 12 and will later fly to Canada.