France keen to invest in north-eastern states along with Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi: – France has expressed interest in investing in tourism and other sectors in the north-eastern states along with Jammu and Kashmir. Emmanuel Lenain, the French Ambassador to India, met Jitendra Singh, Minister for Development of North-Eastern States. During the discussions, Emmanuel Lenain collected information regarding the opportunities available for bilateral cooperation in these states. The government is making efforts to get investment in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. At this time, France has expressed interest in investment and cooperation in other projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

The special status awarded to Jammu and Kashmir and the prevailing laws restricted the investment opportunities in the state and Kashmir had come to be known as the region with a burning terrorism issue. After the abrogation of Article 370 and awarding the status of a union territory to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken many important decisions. Terrorism also has been curtailed in this region, and investors are coming forward to invest in projects in Jammu and Kashmir, treading a path towards peace and stability. It is significant to note that even France is exploring the possibilities of cooperating with India in this region.

French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain talked about his Kashmir visit during his meeting with Jitendra Singh. A delegation of representatives from some countries had visited Jammu and Kashmir, a few days after the abrogation of Article 370. Emmanuel Lenain was a part of this delegation. Emmanuel said that France was interested in cooperating with India even in the north-eastern states. At this time, Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed Emmanuel regarding the opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir and north-eastern states. Jitendra Singh drew the attention of the French Ambassador to the fact that countries like Israel and Japan are already investing in the infrastructure facility projects in these regions.