France, India agree to deepen strategic partnership

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday discussed cooperation between the two countries in trade, defense, nuclear energy and other key areas, and agreed to work together fighting against terrorism.

The two leaders held a working luncheon after the military parade on France's National Day.

According to presidential sources, France and India agreed to cooperate on anti-terrorism.

"There is a strong convergence of interest on threats posed by terrorism and measures to counter it. The leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the area."

In addition, the two leaders discussed the situation in regional issues, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, the Gulf and other countries.

Regarding the bilateral relations, both leaders said they were satisfied with the implementation and cooperation in the field of the civil nuclear energy, space and defense.

Both sides "want to deepen their industrial cooperation in the defense sector," and are happy that things continue to proceed on nuclear energy.

They also wanted to extend the cooperation on education, health, civil nuclear energy and other areas.

"I hope that we can deepen our strategic partnership in all possible ways ... so that we can write a new chapter in the history of the world," said Singh.

At the National Day reception at the Elysees palace, Sarkozy said "India is the world's biggest democracy," adding India will be the most popular country in the world in 20 or 30 years.

Indian troops on Tuesday took part for the first time in the military parade down Champs Elysees to celebrate France's National day, under the eyes of their Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is the first foreign leader of government to have been granted the status of "guest of honor" at France's National Day celebrations, according to the daily Le Figaro.

Singh invited Sarkozy to visit India while Sarkozy said he hoped to visit India soon.