Ahead of Thursday's meeting

Ahead of Thursday's meeting, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio that officials are deliberating whether France's current actions in Iraq are sufficient against the extremist group, which has havens — and oil fields — in Syria. Putting the charges of sectarianism behind him, Modi led his conservative party to a resounding victory in spring national elections. One of the first world leaders to congratulate him was Obama, who quickly extended an invitation to Washington. Buffeted by crises elsewhere in the world, the White House is eager for its relationship with Modi to start on a good note. The Obama administration has sidestepped the visa controversy in the hope of revitalizing the U.S.-Indian relationship, which has been marred by a series of trade and diplomatic quarrels. "We already have an important task in Iraq and we will see how the situation evolves in coming days," Le Drian said. "We are asking the question."