Two Indian men, who were among a group of 15 Indians travelling in three cars, were accidentally killed by French soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Indian nationals were believed to be in the country on diamond business.
French President Francois Hollande sent a letter expressing regret for the incident at Bangui airport in which six Indians were also seriously injured to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The city has seen a rise in conflict due to rebel activity, leading CAR President Francois Bozize to flee the city.
Much of the fighting concerns attempts to win control of the country's diamond areas.
Hollande told Singh of his “firm determination” to investigate the incident.
The French soldiers protecting Bangui airport intervened in a confusing situation when the three vehicles threatened to enter the airport just after the French forces had been fired at from an unknown source.
Despite the French soldiers firing a volley of warning shots, the vehicles continued to travel fast, thus raising tensions, the French soldiers reportedly said.