Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will look to expand ties in key sectors like nuclear energy, defence and space during his brief trip to Paris on way to New York, where he will focus on UN reforms and expansion of the Security Council. Singh will also hold important bilateral meetings, including one with US President George W Bush.Before leaving today, the Prime Minister hoped to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France. ‘‘It is our intention to further expand co-operation in the fields of trade and investment, defence, space, civilian nuclear energy, advanced science and technology as well as cultural and civilisational ties,’’ he said.In Paris, Singh will hold discussions with French President Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister Dominique Villepin and other leaders on Monday. He would also meet CEOs of French companies to discuss trade and investment.On his visit to New York, the PM said various aspects of UN reform will be on the agenda, and added that India will ‘‘continue to present its case’’ for the Security Council. Singh will also be the co-host at the launch of the UN Democracy Fund on Wednesday along with Bush and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and address the UNGA the same day.The PM said he looked forward to bilateral meetings with world leaders. He is expected to meet Bush within hours of arrival on Tuesday, at the Waldorf Astoria, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Hu Jiantao and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for whom he is hosting a dinner on September 14.
