PM Modi's answer to China's Belt and Road is all set for its first discussion

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France is reportedly preparing for its first meeting to discuss an infrastructure link that would connect India to Europe via the Middle East to counter a similar Chinese initiative...

President Emmanuel Macron named Gerard Mestrallet, the former chief executive officer of French energy utility Engie SA, his envoy to lay the ground work of the project..

The concept, known as IMEC, aims to create a network of railroads, ships, gas pipelines and internet cables...

Some French companies have already expressed interest in participating in talks around the project, Mestrallet said.. Shipping giant CMA-CGM, energy behemoth TotalEnergies SA, train builder Alstom SA, logistics company Getlink SE, state-owned Electricite de France SA, industrial gas specialist Air Liquide SA and cable-builder Nexans SA could be involved in building some of the energy and logistics projects, along with construction companies such as Vinci SA and Bouygues SA...

China has for years promoted its Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious project launched more than a decade ago to connect Asia, Africa and Europe through a network of railroads and trade deals, with the goal of cementing Beijings influence..

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