Chirac also confirmed the recent announcement by India's state-run Indian Airlines that it was buying 43 Airbus passenger aircraft in a deal worth 1.8 billion euros.

"I welcome the prime minister confirming to us today India's decision concerning the purchase of six Scorpene submarines and 43 Airbus planes," Chirac told journalists as he greeted Singh.

He called the deals "a measure of the friendship, trust and cooperation" between their two countries.

The talks between the two leaders were to focus on India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, its desire to develop its civilian nuclear energy sector, and the fight against terrorism, he added.

Singh was the first foreign leader to see Chirac since the 72-year-old president was released from hospital last Friday after suffering what his doctors called a minor vascular problem that affected his vision.

The submarine deal, which France had been lobbying hard to win, involve the Franco-Spanish made vessels being assembled in Mumbai as part of a technology transfer arrangement.

The 65-metre (213-foot) long diesel-electric vessels are designed for coastal defence, with sophisticated detection equipment, six torpedo tubes and missile launchers. They are able to stay at sea for up to 45 days with a crew of 31, and can dive to a depth of 300 metres.

A spokesman for the Indian navy, Commander Vinay Garg, told AFP's bureau in New Delhi that official confirmation of the submarine contract was yet to be given, but that "if it gets cleared, the project to construct six submarines would commence."

He added that the additions "would be beneficial to Indian navy's overall force level."

The Airbus deal was previously announced by Singh and India's state-run Indian Airlines.

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