France, August 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a three-nation tour, arrived in Paris for bilateral meetings with his French counterpart Edouard Philippe and French President Emmanuel Macron. While addressing the joint statement on Thursday, along with the French President, PM Modi said, "We are happy that 1st of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month." PM Narendra Modi Arrives in France For G7 Summit, Meets President Emmanuel Macron at Historic Chateau de Chantilly, See Pics.

The Prime Minister further added that France is the first country with which India has signed a civil nuclear arrangement. "I am excited to take part in G7 summit and I want to congratulate President Macron and entire France for the summit," said PM Modi.

According to reports, Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa are set to travel to Paris in September to receive the first of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

Check ANI tweet:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his first leg of the three-nation tour to France, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. Macron will also host a special dinner for him at the Chateau de Chantilly, a 19th-century site located in Oise, about 60 kilometres from Paris. On Friday, Prime Minister would meet his French counterpart, Edouard Charles Philippe. He is also slated to meet UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2019 07:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).