chief guest at Indias 59 Republic Day "Sarkozy"

France is a member of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG.)France assumes the European Union (EU) presidency in the second half of 2008.

The chiefs of the French Army and Navy recently visited India. France Chief of Army Staff Gen. Bruno Cuche visited India from November 26 to 30 at the invitation, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Deepak Kapoor. French Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Alain Oudot de Dainville visited India from December 8 to 12 at the invitation, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta.

France is a member of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG.)France assumes the European Union (EU) presidency in the second half of 2008. France,will host the EU-India Summit in the second half of 2008. French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner is expected in New Delhi later this week.He will discuss bilateral, regional and international issues with Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee.Kouchner"s maiden visit to India as the minister of foreign and European affairs in French President Nicolas Sarkozy"s government.

French companies defence and military cooperation along with civilian nuclear cooperation have been eyeing India’s nuclear energy market of $100 Billion.The $600-million Eurocopter deal scrapped, the French, protest against the decision, are now making an effort in New Delhi to renegotiate before President Nicolas Sarkozy visit.

Kouchner"s visit will firm up the agenda of Sarkozy"s visit to India in January 2008.Sarkozy will be the chief guest at India"s Republic Day celebrations on January 26.