Chirac tour begins, will be meeting PM today

French President Jacques Chirac arrived here today on a three-day visit during which the two countries will sign a declaration on nuclear cooperation, a Defence agreement and some other pacts.

On his second visit to India as President, Chirac, who came via Thailand, is accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including Foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, Defence minister Michele Alliot, Finance and Industry minister Thierry Breton and CEOs of 30 companies.

Later in the evening, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner at his residence for Chirac, his wife Bernadette and the French ministers.

Chirac, who will be holding discussions with the Prime Minister tomorrow, said in Bangkok that India needed a helping hand in producing electricity from nuclear power failing which it could become a “chimney for greenhouse gases”.