French troops kill two Indians in Africa

The French troops on duty at the Bangui's international airport in the Centre African Republic (CAR) accidentally killed two Indian nationals.

The French troops on duty at the Bangui's international airport in the Centre African Republic (CAR) accidentally killed two Indian nationals.

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Six other people were injured in the incident on Monday. Prime minister Manmohan Singh has directed that all efforts be made to ensure the safety of approximately 100 Indian nationals residing in CAR.

Rebels in the trouble-torn country have taken control of Bangui after President Francois Bozize fled and there are 550 French troops deployed there.

President Francois Hollande spoke to Singh, expressing regret over the incident. Hollande also conveyed that France was committed to a thorough investigation into the incident and sharing its results. The French president had also sent a letter to Singh earlier.

"While conveying his condolences, President Hollande assured PM of his firm determination to investigate the tragic event and assured that the injured were under the care of French medical teams," external affairs ministry said in a statement.

"Prime Minister expressed his deep distress at the loss of innocent lives. He has directed that all efforts be made to ensure the safety of approximately 100 Indian nationals in the Central African Republic, mainly in and around Bangui", the MEA statement said.

French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian too expressed regret over the incident.

The French minister called up defence minister AK Antony to convey regret over the incident at Bangui airport. It is learnt Antony told his French counterpart that the incident was extremely distressing and asked French forces in the CAR to ensure that injured Indian nationals were given proper treatment.