France, India FTA talks may gather speed after polls: Richier.

NEW DELHI: The ongoing free trade agreement ( FTA) negotiations between France and India may gain momentum when a new government comes to power after the current elections, French ambassador Francois Richier said. The Indo-EU talks are expected to reach a conclusive stage, he said. "The negotiations have been going for long and we expected it to reach some final destination with the new government coming to power in India."

French companies have invested more than $19 billion in India so far and are adding a billion dollars worth of investment every year, Richier said. The French government is promoting this year's Paris Motor Show for the first time in the country and has invited Indian companies to showcase their new products and technologies.

One of the world's largest motoring event, the Paris Motor Show would be held from October 4-19 this year and is likely to premier over 100 new cars and sports utility vehicles during the 15-day event. Centered around the theme "Automobiles and Fashion", it would lay emphasis on styling and new designs in the automotive world.

"We are visiting India for the first time and inviting local companies to be part of this largest automotive event. Just as French companies are at the forefront to participate in the Indian Auto Expo, we are looking at hoisting native Indian companies," Paris Motor Show executive director Thierry Hesse said.

In the past, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Auto have been part of the show and this year Tata Motors-owned Jaguar & Land Rover is a confirmed participant, he said.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com