France is one of the main players in the P5+1 talks with Iran on the issue of its controversial nuclear programme. P5+1 was formed in 2006 with five permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, UK and the US – and the +1 country, Germany.

France, a key player in the P5+1talks with Iran on its contentious nuclear programme, asked India today to 'convince' its 'close friend' Tehran to enter into serious negotiations and respect international obligations with regard to nuclear non-proliferation.

Delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture here on Friday the French President Francois Hollande said : 'We know India and its people are close to Iran and North Korea. It is all the more important that India convinces this great country of Iran to enter into a serious negotiations to respect international obligations and nuclear non- proliferation.'

President Hollande termed India as “a power of peace”. Saying that India’s presence was necessary for global security, He strongly pitched for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Calling India a 'power of peace', President Hollande strongly pitched for the country getting a full-fledged membership at the United Nations Security Council while observing that the security of the world needs India's presence.

'Today we ask for India to be a full-fledged member of the United Nations Security Council to reflect the current realities. We ask because 17% of humanity is here. We ask because the security of the world needs India's presence and we ask because India is a power of peace,' he said.

He, however, said that the people of France also consider the people of Iran as 'friends'.

Noting India’s concern over the future of Afghanistan after 2014 when NATO forces would withdraw, President Hollande said Afghans themselves should decide about their future and in this context asked Pakistan to fulfill its commitment to accomplish the objective. He lauded India's role in international fora for resolving all disputes through peaceful means and not responding to 'provocative actions' thereby avoiding conflicts.

He thanked India for its 'understanding and support' in France's fight against terrorism in Mali. He assured that France will continue to cooperate and collaborate with India in eradicating the menace of terrorism that has its roots in poverty.

He also assured India that France would do its bit in strengthening security along the Indian Ocean and would help the Indian mission in its role in the security of the region.

'India and France began their strategic partnership in 1998 but I would like to call it an exceptional partnership. We have had the most sensitive and crucial fight against terrorism and we have more challenges,' he said.

President Hollande was full of praise for Indian democracy, its secularism and its 'most popular' film industry which is celebrating its 100th year of its existence.

He termed the Indian film industry as one of the biggest producers of cinema in the world and said France is 'really honoured' to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema at Cannes this year.