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My visit has nothing to do with Chirac: Mittal

Last updated on: February 19, 2006 16:02 IST

Laxmi Mittal, who is in Delhi to attend the wedding of Vikram Singh Chattwal son of Sant Singh Chattwal, denied media reports that his real intention was to meet French President Jacque Chirac, who is arriving in the capital on Sunday on a three-day visit.

Mittal is likely to be present in Hyderabad House on Monday when India and France would sigh a few bilateral pacts.

Even though Mittal refused to reply to any questions regarding his bid for European steel rival Arcelor, VIPs present at the wedding including Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and hotelier Lalit Suri encouraged him to pursue his dream to buy Arcelor.

"Keep it up the whole nation is behind you," Suri told the steel tycoon.

Mittal's eyes are now set on what happens on Monday and the kind of agreements that India and France sign. He is in New Delhi till Monday evening.

Onkar Singh in New Delhi