"This is the same politician who was refused a diplomatic visa by the United States State Department on 18 March 2005 on the ground that he, as chief minister, did nothing to prevent a series of orchestrated riots that targeted Muslims in Gujarat, " they said in a letter.

BBC: India minister Narendra Modi's US speech cancelled

Military exercises between the two countries started in 2007 but were put on hold after 2008 following a series of diplomatic spats over visa issues.

BBC: India and China to hold joint military exercises

He holds a diplomatic passport, and requires no visa to enter France.

BBC: Nicolas Sarkozy