Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet and the two leaders highlighted the shared values of democracy, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Modi is in France on a two-day official visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Modi met Braun-Pivet and the senior leadership of the Assembly over lunch at her official residence, Hotel de Lassay.

The two leaders highlighted the shared values of democracy, liberty, equality and fraternity. They discussed ways to further increase cooperation between the two Parliaments, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

The French side expressed admiration for India's vast electoral process. Discussions also covered various pillars of the strategic partnership including trade and economy, environment, technology and culture. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, it said.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi met Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate and highlighted the significance of the shared values of ‘democracy, freedom and equality’, forming the foundation ethos of the India-France partnership.

The discussions focused on a wide range of areas including India's G20 priorities, democratic values in technology usage and cooperation between the two Upper Houses. Regional and global issues of mutual interest.

France has a bicameral Parliament, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly.

India-France defence cooperation strong pillar of ties, says Modi

Describing India-France defence cooperation as a strong pillar of the ties, PM Modi indicated the possibility of the two sides jointly manufacturing key military platforms for friendly third countries as well.

Modi made the comments at a joint media event with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace ahead of their wide-ranging talks.

The prime minister said the co-production and co-development of new technologies by the two countries will be discussed at the talks.

Modi also mentioned plans by French companies for developing helicopter engines, production of spare parts and setting up of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities in India.

The defence ministry on Thursday approved proposals to purchase 26 Naval variants of Rafale jets from France and procure three French-designed Scorpene class submarines.

"Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of our close relationship. It is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries. France is an important partner in 'Make in India' and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative," he said.

"Today we will discuss about co-production and co-production related to new technologies," he said.

Modi said both sides can produce military platforms for friendly third countries as well.

"There is scope for expanding cooperation among the defence space agencies. We are moving forward towards setting up of MRO facilities, production of spare parts and development of helicopter engines by French companies in India. We will focus on strengthening our cooperation on this," he said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.