50. Prime Minister Modi and President Hollande expressed satisfaction on the progress of a number of initiatives undertaken by Indian and French institutes to promote and preserve cultural heritage and enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries since Prime Minister Modi’s State visit to France in April 2015. In particular, they welcomed the conclusion of the Cultural Exchange Programme between India and France for the period 2016-2018 and welcomed the Administrative Arrangement concluded between the Ministry of Culture and Communication of the French Republic, the Chairman of the National Library of France and the Ministry of Culture of India. 51. The two Leaders lauded the joint efforts of Indian and French archaeologists that led to the remarkable archaeological discovery of human existence that could date back to 2.6 million years near Chandigarh in India. They also welcomed the launch of the book "Shadows of Gods” by Institut Français de Pondichéry extensively cataloguing Indian Objets d’ Arts and cultural heritage and its important contribution to the preservation and recovery of stolen Indian art. 52. The leaders warmly welcomed the "Namaste France” cultural festival to be hosted by India in France from 15 September to 30 November 2016 showcasing a variety of Indian cultural performances, exhibitions, fairs and workshops to highlight Indian cultural heritage and a reciprocal "Bonjour India” cultural festival of France in India in 2017. 53. Noting the important role played by Alliance Francaises in India, the Embassy of France/Institut Francais in India and the Indian Embassy in France in promoting French and Indian cultural activities in each others’ countries, Prime Minister Modi announced the inauguration of a new Indian Cultural Centre in Paris no later than in 2017. President Hollande welcomed this significant initiative towards further deepening Indo-French cultural ties and announced the opening of new centres of Alliance Francaise in Varanasi and Lucknow in 2016-2017. Both leaders also welcomed the hosting of the Regional Hindi Conference in Paris in 2016. President Hollande welcomed the announcement of 5 scholarships for French citizens to learn Sanskrit language. 54. In the field of sports, the Leaders welcomed the enhanced cooperation between both nations, and in this context, welcomed the cooperation agreement signed between the Federation Française de Hockey and Hockey India. 55. In the context of the recent agreement between Fédération Française de Football and All India Football Federation, the two Leaders welcomed the strong interest expressed by the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club to help develop grassroots football in India by reinforcing the presence of its Academy established in 2014 in Delhi and Bangalore, as well as considering a possible exhibition match in the future. 56. Recalling the sacrifices made in the First World War by Indian and French soldiers, the two Leaders expressed happiness at the twinning of two iconic Indian and French monuments - the India Gate in New Delhi and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 57. President Hollande thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for the special honour extended to him and the people of France on the occasion of India's 67th Republic Day celebration and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. New Delhi 9/10