NEW DELHI: Vowing to continue its “strong” response against perpetrators of Paris attack, France today said India was on the “same boat” in fighting terrorism and will cooperate with each other in dealing with the “major” challenge facing the world.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who arrived here a week after the deadly terror attack in Paris, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways to tackle the menace effectively, on a day terrorists held 170 people hostage at a Mali hotel which included Indian and French nationals.
“I want to say that France is grateful for tremendous support it has received from the international community including Indian friends. The attackers will not go unpunished and our response is and will be strong,” Fabius said while ruling out any possibility of negotiations with terror groups.
The visiting minister, here to hold deliberations with India on the preparations ahead of the crucial Paris climate summit, said fighting against international terrorism and combating climate change are the two major challenges of the 21st century.
Appreciating India’s position on fighting terror, he said, “We have a good cooperation with our Indian friends on this. I was discussion it this morning with Prime Minister Modi. We shall develop our cooperation… We are in the same boat.” (AGENCIES)