France has given India steadfast support: PM after meeting Hollande

New Delhi: France was one of India's most valued strategic partners and has given "strong and steadfast support" during difficult moments, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday."India regards France as one of its most valued strategic partners that has given us strong and steadfast support at difficult moments," the prime minister said after meeting French President Francois Holland in New Delhi.[caption id="attachment_625528" align="alignleft" width="380"] This is Francois Hollande's first bilateral state visit to Asia. PTI[/caption]"We reviewed progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (in Maharashtra) and reiterated our commitment to its early implementation," he said."We expressed satisfaction with the progress in our defence cooperation, which is poised to reach a qualitatively new level," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted, quoting the prime minister.Manmohan Singh said India and France also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing."We welcome the appointment of a French special representative for the economic relationship with India," he said.Hollande, who became president last May, arrived in India on Thursday. This is his first bilateral state visit to Asia.IANS