French President Francois Hollande will arrive in India for a two-day visit on February 14. He is expected to discuss matters related to defence and nuclear sectors.
On his first visit to Asia, after taking over the French presidency, Hollande will be accompanied by his partner Valerie Trierweiller, as well as a high-level delegation.
Trierweiller will probably be the first unmarried partner to accompany a visiting head of state to India. She will be, however, accorded all the state protocol given to a head of state.
On the first day of his visit, Hollande will hold formal talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. They are likely to discuss the current status of negotiations on purchase of French multi-role combat aircraft Rafaele -- often described as the biggest single military sale in history.
They are also expected to review the negotiations for the sale of two French nuclear reactors, which is said to be in an advanced stage.
On the same day, President Pranab Mukherjee will be hosting a state banquet in honour of Hollande and his delegation.
On February 15, the French President will deliver a lecture at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, and confer Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen with Commandeur de la legion d’Honneur.
He will fly to Mumbai later in the day, where he will meet the Governor of Maharashtra and participate in a business conference.