French President Jacques Chirac -- just out of hospital as he had an "cardio vascular situation" which impaired vision in one eye. Prime minister singh was the first world leader he has received since his discharge form hospital last week. The Prime Minister was given a ceremonial guard of honour at his residence Elysee Palace.

Dr Singh described India's ties with France as 'privileged and strategic'.

Prime Minister Singh inspects a guard of honour on arrival at Orly Airport in Paris on September 11. French Defence Minister Michele Alliot Marie welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Photographs courtesy the Press Information Bureau