Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, January 24
India and France committed themselves to closer ties, especially in business and combating terrorism, just hours after French President Francois Hollande began his three-day visit to India here on Sunday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to welcome him.
Against the backdrop of major terror strikes in France and India recently, Modi and Hollande today shared concern over the menace, with the Indian leader pitching for a collective fight to defeat the global challenge.
Addressing the India-France Business Summit here after Hollande spoke, Modi said the French President “is correct” in saying that terrorism is a challenge just like global warming.
“Fighting against challenge of terrorism is the work for humanity. All those who believe in humanity, they will have to collectively fight against terrorism. India and France believe in humankind. We together along with other countries will eliminate terror forces and terrorism,” Modi said.
He assured Hollande that India is will stand with France in fight against terrorism.
The comments came against the backdrop of two major terror attacks in India and France in the recent times. While Paris was attacked by ISIS in November, Pathankot in India was struck by Pakistani terrorists on January 1.
Modi used the occasion to hail the French government, people and media of that country for continuing their development agenda even after the dastardly terror attack in Paris last November.
“France has shown the way to the world…Just few days after the attack, France hosted leaders of all countries (for climate summit). This is a brave act. I congratulate the citizens of France, especially the media there, that they supported their government during the time of crisis,” he said, adding that India needs to learn lessons from it.
About 130 persons were killed and hundreds were wounded in a coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015.
The Prime Minister also said the “trust and friendship” with France is an asset for India.
Addressing the business leaders of France and India here, Modi announced that the controversial retrospective taxation is a thing of the past and this chapter will never be opened again in India, a statement aimed at addressing the concerns of foreign investors over predictability in the tax regime.
Modi said his government wants to ensure that foreign investors are clear about tax systems that will prevail in India over the next 15 years.
“I am for stable governance and predictable taxation system. The government is taking various steps to ensure this stability. This government is known for stable and predictable tax regime,” he said.
In this context, he referred to the retrospective tax imposed in 2012 through amendments in the Income Tax Act, a step which had led to an outcry and anxiety among the investors, particularly the foreign ones.
“Retrospective tax is a matter of past. That chapter will not be opened again. We are ensuring that neither this government nor the future governments can open this chapter,” Modi told the India-France Business Summit.
“Whosoever makes investment in the country should know about the taxation system in the country over the next five years, 10 years, 15 years,” he said.
The French President, who began his three-day visit from here today, is accompanied by a large delegation of CEOs.
Inviting French companies, especially those in the defence sector to manufacture in India and take advantage of low costs involved, the Prime Minister said India provides huge business opportunity for them.
“India wants to enter the field of defence manufacturing.
“… I assure French companies present here, especially in the field of defence manufacturing that we can do a lot in the area of defence manufacturing.”
“We are working towards improving quality of life. We are working on good governance. These are the two initiatives that world is attracted towards,” Modi said.
India has witnessed 40 per cent increase in foreign direct investments and established itself as an important destination for foreign capital, he said.
The Prime Minister said India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ has improved by 12 points in a short span of time after his government took over.
“The inflow of 40 per cent FDI in short period of time is a proof that the world has recognises India as important destination,” he said.
He said there are many opportunities to work on different fields between India and France. “It is like ‘made for each other’. What you (France) have is our requirement and what you need is the market which we have,” he said.
Seeking the assistance of France in improving country’s infrastructure, rail network and innovation, Modi said, “Our development model requires the expertise of France. We have to move forward in infrastructure, rail, maritime, even waterways.”
India, France sign 16 pacts
An agreement between Airbus Group and Mahindra for manufacture of helicopters and three MoUs under the ‘Smart City’ theme were among the 16 pacts signed between India and France here today.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which cover a wide range of sectors like urban development, urban transport, water and waste treatment and solar energy, were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who began his three-day visit from here today.
As part of ‘Make in India’ initiative, an agreement was signed between Airbus Group and Mahindra to manufacture helicopters here.
From the French side, the agreement for “cooperation” to manufacture the helicopters was signed by Pieree De Bausset, President and Managing Direcor Airbus Group India, while from the Indian side, it was inked by Prakash Shukla, the Group President of Mahindra Aerospace.
Besides, three MoUs were signed under the ‘Smart city’ theme for city-specific urban development between French Development Agency (AFD) with the state governments for the cities of Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry.
The aim of the MoUs is to provide specific technical assistance on urban development experts from the French government’s programme.
Urban Development Experts from the French public sector will be based in each city, CII President Sumit Mazumder said on the occasion.
Under the MoU, expert in the fields of urban transport, water and waste treatment, solar energy, urban planning and architecture and heritage they will assist the three cities with their smart city development plans.
A joint Venture between Indian SITAC group and EDF Energie Nouvelles was signed to acquire 50 per cent stake in its renewable energy business in Gujarat.
This JV investment is worth 155 Million Euros in 2016 and would generate 142 MW power. Its objective is to produce one gigawatts wind energy in five years period.
A letter of intent between CEA (the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) and CG (Crompton Greaves) was also signed during the business summit.
Both the companies wished to explore opportunities of collaborations in Solar PV with storage function for Indian airports.
The final goal of the collaboration for CG is to set up manufacturing facilities using its infrastructure and expertise in India and technology knowhow of CEA, which is a center for technological research in new energy and storage technologies.
Another Letter of Intent was signed between CEA and Green Ventures. The CEA will work on off grid solar photovoltaic projects in the Indian rural areas with the aim to deliver tangible climate change benefits.
Besides, nine French companies signed MoUs with Engineering Projects India (EPI) Ltd, a public sector company fully owned by the government of India.
The French companies are Alstom Transport, CAN, Dassault, EDF Energies Nouvelles, Egis, Lumiplan, Pomagalski, Schneider Electric and Thales.
The MoUs between the nine companies and the EPI are in the field of new and cutting edge French technologies for smart and sustainable cities.
