France's Hollande rounds off India trip with fighter jet deal agreed but not finalised

By Euronews

Published on 26/01/2016 - 17:54

French President Francois Hollande has rounded off a trip to India, attending a parade in New Delhi to commemorate Republic Day alongside his host

French President Francois Hollande has rounded off a trip to India, attending a parade in New Delhi to commemorate Republic Day alongside his host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Merci le Président fhollande</a> pour votre visite en Inde et nous honorer ainsi avec votre présence aux célébrations du jour de la République.</p>— Narendra Modi (narendramodi) January 26, 2016

During Hollande’s visit, India signed an inter-governmental pact with France to buy 26 French-built Rafale fighter planes, although the leaders of both countries said there was still work to do to finalise the terms of the deal after months of talks.

The two leaders also emphasised the cooperation between their two countries in battling terrorism, with Hollande saying that France and its allies will strike “again and again” at the Islamic State militant group.

Republic Day, a national holiday in India, celebrates 26 January 1950 – the day that India’s constitution was brought into force after the end of British rule.