As part of the steps to improve bilateral relations, India and France are expected to sign an extradition treaty to intensify the fight against terrorism.

Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani and French Justice Minister Dominique Perben are to sign the treaty on Friday.

After the United Kingdom, France would be the second major European nation to have an extradition pact with India.

The extradition treaty is significant because of the problems India has been facing of late in securing the extradition of wanted criminals and terrorists, who are based abroad.

As part of its efforts to secure Mumbai underworld don Abu Salem's custody, New Delhi has had to give an undertaking to Portugal that he would not be handed the death sentence if he was extradited to India.

Earlier, Advani arrived at the Orly airport (in Paris) late on Wednesday night for a two-day visit to France.

On Thursday, he will meet French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin and review the ties between the two countries.

He is also expected to meet Defence Minister Michele Alliott-Marie and Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss issues of common interest.