Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to France is set to strengthen crucial defence deals and deepen the strategic ties between India and France. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, PM Modi’s presence as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day celebrations signifies a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
During his visit, PM Modi will focus on reinforcing India-France ties across various sectors, including defence, space, infrastructure, and culture. The itinerary includes meetings with President of the Senate Gerrad Larcher and French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, indicating a shared commitment to furthering bilateral relations within the French political leadership.
The Prime Minister also addressed an Indian community event at the iconic La Seine Musicale and will attend a private dinner hosted by the French President at his residence. Tomorrow’s Bastille Day celebrations will be followed by bilateral talks, covering a range of topics such as security cooperation, technology, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, climate change, and space. The visit will culminate with a grand state banquet at the renowned Louvre Museum.
Ahead of his departure for France, PM Modi expressed his intention to engage in extensive discussions with President Emmanuel Macron to further enhance the longstanding partnership between the two countries. “Rooted in deep trust and commitment, our two countries cooperate closely across various domains including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties,” PM Modi stated in a statement.
The visit is anticipated to bring forth several significant announcements, including the acquisition of an additional 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines. The Defence Acquisition Committee, led by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared the process, and negotiations are expected to follow.
Bastille Day, also known as Fete Nationale Francaise, commemorates the historic storming of the French prison in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. The Indian tri-services will be integral to the celebration, with a 269-member contingent from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force marching alongside their French counterparts at the grand parade. The alliance between the two armies dates back to World War I.
France has been a steadfast ally of India in Europe for decades, demonstrating its support by not imposing sanctions on India after the country conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Over the years, France has become one of India’s strongest defence partners, with the replacement of aging Russian fleet assets with advanced French Mirages, Rafales, and Scorpenes.
Following his visit to France, PM Modi will proceed to the United Arab Emirates to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
PM Modi’s visit to France signifies the deepening of the Indo-French relationship and underscores the importance of cooperation between the two nations in various strategic domains. The outcomes of this visit are expected to further strengthen the bond and pave the way for future collaboration and partnerships between India and France.
Sources By Agencies
