New Delhi, March 25 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay official visits to France, Germany and Canada from April 9 to 16, the external affairs ministry said on Wednesday.

"The prime minister's visit to these countries reflects the 'Link West' aspect of India's foreign policy. We see this as an opportunity to reinforce our strong links with these countries, with a focus on investments and technological tie-ups," ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told the media here.

Modi's first destination would be France from April 9 to 12, where he will have meetings with French President Francois Hollande.

He will also interact with various sections of the French society and members of the Indian community, who are residents in France, the spokesperson said.

Modi's second destination will be Germany. He will be in Germany from April 12 to 14 for the Hannover Messe trade fair for industrial technology. He will also be holding bilateral discussions with Chancellor Angela Merkel and other senior leaders.

The prime minister will be in Canada from April 14 to 16.

"In each of these countries, he will visit cities other than the capitals," Akbaruddin said.