Today's Date:

THE PRESIDENT – First, it's a very great pleasure, it has been eight years now since I went to India. And I am especially delighted with this opportunity to go back to this great country, for which I have great admiration.

I firmly believe that between us, we have all the assets required to build a special partnership in every possible field: India as a great emerging power, and France, at the core of the European Union. However, the full potential of our relations has not yet been tapped. How to do so will be a central topic in the discussions I will be having with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. I also believe that this dialogue, built as it is on trust – like that which our two countries enjoy with our major partners – is a key element in the assertion of that peaceful international order so ardently desired by both our States.

THE PRESIDENT – Yes, indeed, I went to India at least five or six times, often privately, or as Mayor of Paris. And also in 1976, on an official visit as Prime Minister.

THE PRESIDENT – First of all, a constant strengthening of unity, union and democracy. It's without doubt a great example, a shining example for the rest of the world. Second, a striking unchallenged economic development, accompanied gradually by improvements in the social situation and, little by little, an improvement in terms of eradicating poverty. Thirdly, an increasingly strong thrust in the direction of science, with the increasingly strong presence of India in the scientific arena, especially in terms of cutting-edge technology. As shows the personality of your President, an eminent scientist himself!

And I think things are evolving in a very natural and obvious manner. I am not surprised by this evolution: India has been around for a very long time, and has stood its ground for a long time as a beacon in terms of cultural and scientific achievements. This is why India should be ahead of others.

I am especially delighted with the agreement between India and France on the Gupta art exhibition. And I have in mind, for later, the idea of an art exhibition on the former civilizations of the Indus.

THE PRESIDENT – Our relations have always been excellent. But indeed in 1998, during my State visit for the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of India's independence, we gave new momentum to our bilateral relations – primarily by setting up a strategic dialogue between India and France.

Since then, these relations have continued to grow stronger. As you know, I was the first one to argue in favour of India, a responsible power, being given the status of permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. If our partnership is to retain its vitality, it must be nourished by contacts at the highest level, which is precisely what we do with our major partners – Germany and the United Kingdom in Europe, of course, but also with the United States of America, China, Russia, Brazil and others. The visit of Prime Minister Dr Singh to Paris on 12 September last year was particularly important in that it marked India's continuing commitment to our relations, and this is also the purpose of my visit to India.

CIVILIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION/NSG

THE PRESIDENT – France was the first country to argue at international level in favour of India, as a responsible power, gaining access to civilian nuclear technologies in order to meet its enormous energy requirements while at the same time preserving the environment. Our efforts to educate opinion finally led to a positive change in mentalities. The process of reflection initiated by France, since the Indo-American declaration on 18 July, continues today with the support of the American administration and other major partners. Recognition of a special status for India with respect to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) is a priority for us. We are close to reaching an agreement, but more work is required on both sides. As concerns cooperation with France, the draft agreement we are preparing reflects the scope of the cooperation we are prepared to embark upon with India in this field, in full compliance with our international undertakings.

THE PRESIDENT – Because it is a multilateral issue. France stands firmly alongside India, a responsible power, in this question of modifying the rules of the NSG. It is only if these modifications are allowed that we can reconcile our aim to cooperate in this area with the constraints imposed by our international undertakings. But before that, India must have a specific status with respect to the NSG to allow it access to the necessary technologies while respecting the principle of non-proliferation.

THE PRESIDENT – We have been trying for many years. The main person to persuade was Mr Bush if we had to move forward. But we still have to make efforts to build a consensus and France is actively working on that.

CLEMENCEAU/POLLUTION ELIMINATION

THE PRESIDENT – I regret that the controversy happened despite the efforts we undertook to ensure the environmental and health soundness of the operation. As you know, the French Administrative Court has ruled that the export of the Clemenceau to India should be suspended. After thorough consideration I have decided that the ship should be brought back to France and that a final solution be found for its dismantling.

THE PRESIDENT – This raises more generally the very important question of the dismantlement of old ships. There are hundreds of them worldwide and their number is increasing. It is a very serious problem since we cannot and should not export hazardous waste, nor can we keep these ships in wreck yards.

Therefore, I have decided that we will consult with our European partners in order to consider strengthening the European depollution capabilities and to accelerate global discussions on standards that should surround the export of ships for dismantlement in third countries.

FRANCO-INDIAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS/ACADEMIC EXCHANGES/VISAS

THE PRESIDENT – Trade flows, in my view, are still too low. One of the purposes of my trip to India is to provide a boost to these exchanges. It is one of my aims – on which of course the Prime Minister and I see eye to eye – to develop economic exchanges and boost them significantly.

Our economic relations are developing at a very steady pace, having grown by 30% in 2004 and 42% in 2005. In 2005, Indian airlines ordered almost 250 aircraft from Airbus, which will obviously impact trade flows between us. However, it is clear that our economic relations are neither on the same level as our political relations nor commensurate with the capacity of French companies, which are among the world leaders in sectors vital for the development of India. Many of them were keen to accompany me on this State visit to demonstrate their desire to establish durable partnerships with their Indian counterparts.

Dr Singh and I have set a target of doubling the volume of our bilateral trade in the next five years. To achieve this, we have decided to adopt a proactive policy of establishing closer relations between the economic decision-makers in our two countries and setting up partnerships between businesses in priority sectors: infrastructure, information technologies, pharmaceutical products, the environment, cutting-edge and new technologies, agribusiness and the automotive and aviation industries. We have also agreed to make a particular effort to stimulate the development of relations between French and Indian SMEs.

THE PRESIDENT – Everyone collectively. Anyway, the situation right now is much better than it has been in the past. I know the importance that Prime Minister Dr Singh attaches to improving the condition of access for foreign companies to the Indian market and the protection of intellectual property. Tariff and non-tariff barriers still hamper exports of certain French products like wine. Sectors such as distributive trades and financial services are still comparatively closed to foreign capital. Progress in these fields would facilitate the strengthening of our relations.

There is also strong political will on both sides, a clear determination on the part of the French authorities to boost trade with India, likewise on the Indian side: there is evidence that India wants to develop its exchanges with France. In particular at the level of universities, grandes ιcoles [high-ranking schools] we are seeing a desire for a real initiative. For instance, ESSEC, a high-ranking business school has made an agreement with Ahmedabad Business School to recognize diploma equivalence, and to encourage young French students to go to India and vice versa. So we want to boost these links.

THE PRESIDENT – We will be looking at this issue with as open a mind as possible.

ARCELOR/MITTAL

THE PRESIDENT – I would not put it quite in these terms. First of all, the company which is willing to take over Arcelor is not an Indian company. It is a Dutch company.

THE PRESIDENT – Certainly, but the problem has nothing to do with L.N. Mittal. It is a Dutch company and Arcelor is a Luxemburg company. It has nothing to do with France and India.

THE PRESIDENT – The French authorities are concerned about the shareholders and the company. Again, there is room for debate on questions like differences in corporate cultures between Arcelor and Mittal, or the conditions of the bid.

THE PRESIDENT – Again, the French government is a stakeholder, not a shareholder. Given the circumstances of the case, it would appear that it is not in the best interest of the company. It is up to the two companies involved to agree on the terms. It has got nothing to do with India. The main shareholder is Indian, but he could be of any other citizenship.

MOHAMMED CARTOONS/IRAQ

THE PRESIDENT – I am appalled by what happened as a result of the publication of these cartoons. I am of course in favour of the freedom of the press, which is a pillar of democracy. But I am equally for respecting everyone's sensibilities. And I am also in favour of a dialogue between cultures and civilization, against confrontation. So I deplore this situation.

THE PRESIDENT – Are you referring to the military operation in Iraq? We have always stood against it and we still think that it was a bad initiative.

THE PRESIDENT – It is a difficult situation in Iraq. International troops will eventually have to withdraw. We need to know when. And we want full restoration of Iraq's unity and sovereignty.

MULTIPOLARITY/NEW WORLD ORDER

THE PRESIDENT – Indeed, I am deeply attached to the principle of multipolarity. And I think there is no other means by which we can maintain a balance in the world. It flows naturally. When you look around you, frankly, countries like India and China are political centres at least as important as the US or Europe. That is the reason why I continue to campaign actively in favour of India becoming a permanent member of the Security Council. New powers are emerging in the world, whether countries like India or China or groups of countries like ASEAN or Mercosur. They form new groupings that combine economic power and political will. It is only by recognizing this new reality of a multipolar and interdependent world that we will be able to build an international order that is both safer and more just. We must all work together to deal with the challenges of this new century and help create this new world order which both India and France have always called for, based on those values of democracy, freedom and human rights that form the basis of the United Nations Charter. This is how we will make sure of the support of all peoples, their liberty and respect for their identity.

THE PRESIDENT – I don't understand why you say that…

THE PRESIDENT – We are in close consultation with India, as indeed with all our partners, with the aim of persuading Iran to comply fully with its obligations in the question of non-proliferation. This issue is vital for international peace and security and for the effectiveness of non-proliferation arrangements throughout the world.

Despite the efforts undertaken by the Europeans over the last three years, we are unfortunately forced to admit today that Tehran has not responded to the European proposals and has gone back on the undertakings given. In light of this situation, every country and every institutional body must accept its responsibilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna will be presenting its report to the Security Council in March. I hope that between now and then, Iran will decide to seize the hand that is still extended to it.

THE PRESIDENT – If you are referring to my speech on France's nuclear doctrine, you will see there is no change in our position on the subject, which remains that of deterrence.

SECULARISM

THE PRESIDENT – I know that this question has given rise to a great deal of misunderstanding in India and I am glad of this opportunity to explain the situation in greater detail. Wearing of the Sikh turban is not forbidden in France and Sikhs are free to practise their religion. If they are able to do this, as are all those of other religions, it is because France is a secular State that guarantees respect for all religious beliefs in a climate of harmony and tolerance.

Certain types of behaviour made it necessary for us to vote a law to guarantee our tradition of secularism. This law was drafted after very wide consultation and adopted by a very large majority, transcending all political parties and opinions. It applies only in State schools, primary and secondary. It does not in any way constitute a general prohibition against displaying religious symbols or signs. As concerns the Sikhs, we encountered difficulties with a very small number of cases. Close dialogue was established with the families concerned and representatives of the Sikh community in France, with which we have always enjoyed excellent relations. This law is now well understood and accepted.

INDIA/UNSC/G8

THE PRESIDENT – For the United Nations to play its role fully, it is necessary to reinforce its authority and legitimacy by, in particular, improving the representativeness of its various agencies. Opening up the Security Council to include new permanent members is a priority in this respect. I believe firmly that this reform will be imposed in the end, since it is eminently logical. France will not spare its efforts to promote the candidature of India and support the strategy which India may define to gain access to the Security Council.

THE PRESIDENT – This is the direction in which history is leading us. That's why in 2003 I invited the Indian Prime Minister to the broader G8 dialogue organized by France in Evian. The world needs the voice of the great emerging countries such as India to be heard in the G8.

TERRORISM

THE PRESIDENT – Nothing can justify such acts. France knows the toll that blind terrorism exacts on India. Faced with this global threat, we must reinforce cooperation, which is the only way of dismantling the networks of logistical support and funding. The fight against terrorism is, therefore, a key element in our dialogue with India. We are particularly keen to ensure that this fight is carried on in full compliance with the law. The United Nations must also fully play its role. Here, France supports the Indian proposal of a general convention on terrorism. We have indeed set up a specific joint working group to compare our analyses and adapt to new developments in this threat.

DEFENCE COOPERATION/SCORPENE

THE PRESIDENT – You are right to emphasize the exemplary nature of the agreement to supply the "Scorpene" submarine, which corresponds perfectly to the general spirit that permeates all our bilateral relations. This is not simply a commercial contract but a genuine joint industrial project accompanied by broad transfer of technology and know-how.

The signature of a framework cooperation agreement in the field of defence by the French Minister of Defence, Mme Michθle Alliot-Marie and her Indian counterpart, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, will give formal recognition to the relations of trust that have existed for many years between our two armed forces. It should facilitate implementation of joint projects in the field of key defence equipment. You are aware of how long our relations date back in the field of military aviation, for example, and the degree of trust that characterizes them.

SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION/SPACE/MEGHA-TROPIQUES

THE PRESIDENT – India is one of France's most important partners in terms of space cooperation. The CNES, the French Space Agency has with its counterpart, the ISRO, a certain number of ambitious cooperation projects. The project currently the furthest advanced is the launch in 2009 of the first Franco-Indian satellite, "Megha-Tropiques", which is designed to study tropical weather systems, particularly the monsoons that have so great an influence on the life of the population and the Indian economy as a whole.

CULTURE

THE PRESIDENT – India and France, both countries embodying a great culture, enjoy very long and rich cultural relations. Your country has always exerted a great fascination and not just on intellectuals. Many French people attend the concerts of your great classical musicians when they visit France. Indian cinema is increasingly well known and appreciated in France, as we can see from the many numbers of people who went to cinemas to watch the films Swadesh and Devdas. I am also pleased that French cinema is beginning to find an audience in India.

Cultural cooperation is a dimension of our relations to which I attach great importance, since it guarantees long-lasting ties between countries. This is why I am happy that one of the great projects particularly dear to my heart, the exhibition of Gupta art, will be going ahead at the Grand Palais in 2007. When the exhibition opens, I will be thinking of the great Jawaharlal Nehru, Gιnιral de Gaulle and Andrι Malraux, who, 47 years ago, together inaugurated the exhibition "Trιsors de l'Inde", which all who saw still remember. At the same time, a programme of related events will be organized in India around exhibitions, concerts and ballets. Conservation of heritage is another important dimension of our cultural cooperation. The remarkable rehabilitation of the historic centre of Ahmedabad by French architects is part of this process.

STUDENT EXCHANGES

If there is a field in which we must do much more, it is that of exchanges between our students. The number of Indian students in France has doubled in five years but it is still well below our potential for cooperation with a country like India that has 225 universities. We must multiply contacts between them and our research laboratories and other institutions of higher education. This is a subject which the Prime Minister and myself identified as a priority during our discussions last September. In order to achieve this, we will be reinforcing our action and will be creating a centre for studies in France to facilitate dissemination of information and procedures for Indian students./.