Advani to sign defence deals with France

Today, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani is expected to sign defence deals with the French government. Diplomatic sources believe that Advani and the French Minister of Defence Michele Alliott-Marie, are expected to discuss about the sale of Mirage aircraft and Scorpene submarine.

L.K. Advani, who is on a two day visit to France, has also expressed his gratitude to the French government for their understanding when Indian government undertook a nuclear tests in 1998. 

While the rest of the world is not very happy with Indian nuclear tests, French reaction was quite muted. Advani feels that this helped the world understand India's security concerns. He also feels that France government's understanding has helped India tide over the fall out that resulted aftermath the nuclear tests. He also urged the French Government that they should not sell arms to countries that promote terrorism.