France is keen on strengthening ties with India and wants to build more bridges between the two countries, its Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said here on Monday.France, he said, was blessed to have a largest network of Alliance Francaise in India - numbering 16, while its global presence accounted for 800 Alliance Francaises.No country in the world has so many centres as India has, given the size of the country and appetite for French language - it is very significant, Lenain said while inaugurating the new building of the Alliance Franaise here.
Carnatic vocalist, composer, collaborator, humanitarian, and speaker Aruna Sairam has been honoured with the French government's highest honour - the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des award. Aruna Sairam has been selected for this award not just for her singing prowess but also for her contribution towards the development of the Indo-France relationship.