Indian Prime Minister Modi arrives in France with talks set for business, fighter-jet deal
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France as part of a European tour. French authorities are hoping to build up already-strong contacts with the fast-growing Asian nation amid talks about a possible big fighter-jet deal.
French President Francois Hollande was meeting Friday with Modi for a news conference and working dinner. Hollande has cautioned that the bilateral relationship was more complex than just talks over a possible 12 billion euro ($15 billion) deal for 126 Rafale jets, made by France's Dassault Aviation.
French and Indian leaders have noted strong bilateral ties in defense, space, nuclear power and technology.
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Modi, according to the French translation of an interview published Thursday in French daily Le Figaro, said his government sees France as "an important partner to support India's development."