PM pitches for greater cooperation with France in defence manufacturing,research

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday pitched for greater cooperation in defence manufacturing and research and development with France under the framework of 'Make-in-India'.

He said this when French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly called on him in New Delhi.Parly briefed the prime minister about developments in bilateral defence cooperation, a PMO statement said.

The prime minister said that defence cooperation is one of the key pillars of the Strategic Partnership between India and France, and called for greater cooperation in the 'Make in India' framework in defence manufacturing and joint research and development, the statement said. The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, it added. The PM said that he looks forward to receiving French President Macron in India at his earliest convenience, the statement said.