New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) India-France cooperation in infrastructure and energy development is bound to increase, as the two sides forge greater partnerships and pledge more investments, says French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont.

"There is tremendous interest in France in the Indian infrastructure sector and its development. Many companies do come to India and recently, many more came along with President Nicolas Sarkozy when he visited India last year," Bonnafont told IANS.

According to the ambassador, investment in key sectors like infrastructure development and nuclear energy is bound to increase.

"Currently French investment in the infrastructure sector in India is around 10 million euros, which is continuing from 2008 to 2012. This figure is expected to go up exponentially in the coming time."

He said this at a commemorative ceremony Thursday night where he conferred the highest French civilian honour "Chevalier de l 'Ordre de la Legion d' Honneur" on leading Indian industrialists Rahul Bajaj of Bajaj Auto Ltd and Bharat Forge's Baba Kalyani.

"It was President Sarkozy's wish that we honour eminent personalities who have contributed to sustainable growth of industry and society in India," Bonnafont said.

Bajaj, chairman of Bajaj Auto Ltd, said: "It is indeed a great honour to receive this recognition. It is a great honour for the members of the Bajaj Group and a tribute to the spirit of entrepreneurship."

Currently, both Bharat Forge and Bajaj Auto are in partnership with some French majors like engineering and energy giant Alstom and automobile major Renault for introducing new product lineups like nuclear power plants and entry level passenger vehicles.

The French Republic confers the 'Order of the Legion' on French and foreign nationals in recognition of their achievements in various fields of society, industry and social development. The award was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.