France President Francois Hollande, who is the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, is visiting India with a high-powered business delegation aiming to forge commercial and business ties, especially in the defence sector.

On January 24, Hollande is landing in Chandigarh Air Force Station where he is expected to be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Both leaders will then be attending an Indo-French CEO’s Forum followed by a business summit to be addressed by both leaders.

As many as 43 French companies will be accompanying Hollande, the majority from the defence and energy sectors.

The French President will also be accompanied by his Minister of Finance and Public Accounts Michel Sapin and other senior officials.

Hollande will be attending the bilateral summit with Modi on January 25 in New Delhi. A number of agreements are expected to be signed during this meeting, said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, here on Thursday.

However, he refused to confirm whether the much-awaited Rafale jet fighter deal will be signed.

Interestingly, on the Republic Day both Indian and French troops will be marching together.

“There has been no occasion in the past when foreign troops participated in the march past during our Republic Day celebrations. However, you will recall that in 2009, the Indian troops participated in Bastille Day celebrations in France,” said Swarup.

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