French plan to prolong state of emergency over terror threat

Hollande is the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day Parade.

With two days left for President Francois Hollande to land in India, uncertainty looms large over the inking of the multi-million dollar fighter plane deal, with French Ambassador Francois Richier saying that “complex negotiation” was still going on. That official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with media.

The next day on January 25 both leaders will be holding the bilateral meeting where a number of agreements will be signed. Businesses from around the world, including France, are now looking at India with renewed expectations.

As per the information, Hollande will reach Chandigarh at 12:30 pm and will stay in the city for about 5 hours before leaving for New Delhi at 5:30 pm.

British Prime Minister David Cameron is trying to negotiate changes to the 28-nation bloc before the February 18-19 summit and says he will campaign for Britain to stay in if his demands are met. It is an issue between the French and the Indian government.

The French embassy on Thursday said the authenticity of the threat letter is yet to be established. It is one of 100 “smart cities” Modi has designated for rapid development, in which the French will be partners.

Hollande begins his trip Sunday by visiting Chandigarh, which stands as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana states. “We are touch with the French consulate ministers”, Reddy told a press conference here.

“In all these areas, we expect some forward progress during the French president’s visit”, he said. The two leaders are expected to touch on anti-terrorism efforts including speeding up extradition requests and cracking down on money laundering used to fund militant activities. Still hurting from the November 13 terror attacks in Paris, Hollande swore to help make 2016 a year of “transition in Syria”.

He will ask his cabinet on Feb 3 to approve a draft law to extend the measures for another three months when they expire on Feb 26, a statement said.

Asia first started speaking with Portugal four years back about purchasing 126 Rafales, a that will have approximately $12 million to charge, having a most of the airplanes to become produced in India.

As per the information, the Chandigarh Administration would gift the French President a reproduction of original paintings by Corbusier or a replica of “Open Hand” monument, the symbol of Chandigarh.