'India is at heart of multipolar world'

India and France are "strategic partners", De Villepin told a lecture in New Delhi ahead of meetings with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha.

"India is already at the heart of the new international system which is taking place despite the uncertainties of our times," De Villepin said.

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"I know that our two countries share a common vision, that of a multipolar world in which the rule of law and the strength of the multilateral institutions are essential," he added.

While calling for global unity to "clip the wings of terrorism" De Villepin, in a veiled reference to the United States, said "no country alone" could ensure global stability when the balance of power had undergone great changes.

The foreign minister voiced support for Vajpayee's peace moves with Pakistan.

"The hand of friendship extended to Pakistan by the Indian prime minister last April is a courageous and noble gesture," he said.

India and Pakistan reached an accord last month to reopen peace talks. They nearly came to their fourth war in 2002 over India's charges that Pakistan was arming and training rebels in the Indian zone of Kashmir.

De Villepin also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council saying India's peace initiative with Pakistan spoke volumes for India's "sense of responsibility" and political maturity.