French envoy: "France aware of internal debate in India on CAB& NRC"

A top French envoy said on Friday that France is aware of the ongoing debate in India on the Citizenhip (Amendment) Bill and National Register of Citizens, but these were issues that other nations should refrain from commenting on.

"These are issues which are obviously discussed during official deliberations.

"We are aware of the ongoing debate in India on CAB and NRC. But I do not think another government should interfere in the domestic affairs of India`, Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain said.

On the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation, Lenain said France respects India`s democratic system and India is the world`s largest democracy`.

The Ambassador said some issues are domestic and there are also some issues that are decided through democratic process, reflecting the will of the majority".

He recalled the statement of French President Emmanuel Macron on Article 370 and pointed out that the Jammu and Kashmir issue was complex in nature.

"It can be only solved through bilateral discussions and there is no benefit in internationalising the issue", he said.

The Ambassador said he was optimistic of the prospect of strengthening the bond between France and India and pointed out that the mutual recognition of diplomas, degrees and doctorate degrees between the two countries would help students from both nations pursue higher education.