French consulate gets threat letter against Hollandes visit to India

Hollande will visit Chandigarh’s modernist heart before meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its famous rock garden – a 20-acre (eight-hectare) space filled with sculptures made from the rubble of its construction. The report added that up to 71 high-rise buildings will be completely closed around Rajpath area in Delhi, where the Republic Day parade is held.

It’s clearly a Republic Day of firsts: the first all-women biker contingent will also be part of the lineup this year.

The envoy said a major showpiece during the Republic Day parade would be the contingent of 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Division of the French Army, which will highlight the growing synergy between French and Indian security goals. Though, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup refused to divulge details, limiting his remarks to saying that the Rafale deal is at an advanced stage of negotiation, sources said, there was a possibility of concluding an Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) regarding the $9 billion defence deal.

He will meet a French delegation at the Indo-French forum, engage with business community in Chandigarh.

But in view of the “critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat Aircraft” for the IAF, prime minister, during his visit to Paris in April a year ago, conveyed to French president that India would like to acquire 36 Rafale jets “in fly-away condition as quickly as possible” under an inter-governmental agreement to be negotiated by the two nations.

A security team from France is likely to reach Chandigarh on Wednesday. New Delhi is also trying to encourage French companies to tap into India’s economic boom. Both commanders are required to the touch on anti-terrorism initiatives including breaking down on money laundering and accelerating extradition demands used to account militant actions. The Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that left 130 dead and hundreds injured were carried out largely by French-speaking Europeans who had trained with Islamic State. “Both India and France are victims of terrorism and we can expect a lot of discussions on this particular issue”.

The Chandigarh administration certainly wants the French president to see the city in rosy colours.

He lauded the security forces in Delhi for working with French officials closely to prevent any attack on the visitingdelegation but said it was “sad” that the threat letter had been leaked.