After India-France Rafael deal, PM Modi attends Bastille Day parade
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bastille Day celebrations on Friday as the Guest of Honor with French President Emmanuel Macron. He was greeted at the event by First Lady Brigitte Macron and PM Elisabeth Borne. Notably, during PM Modi's visit to France on Thursday, India's Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) gave its approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets.
Why does this story matter?
Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, holds a significant place in the French consciousness as it commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the 1789 French Revolution. During PM Modi's two-day visit to France, which ends on Friday, he is set to hold wide-ranging discussions with Macron on several key sectors and engage with French CEOs, leaders, and other prominent figures.
Visuals of Modi arriving for Bastille Day parade
Great pleasure to welcome India: Macron
While welcoming PM Modi as the Guest of Honor at the Bastille Day parade, the French president tweeted, "A giant in world history, a country playing a decisive role in the future, a strategic partner, a friend." "It gives us great pleasure to welcome India as the Guest of Honor for this year's 14th July Parade," Macron wrote in Hindi.
Twitter post by Macron
Indian tri-services contingent, Rafale fighter jets on display at parade
The Indian Army's Punjab Regiment participated in the parade, which took place along the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue. The contingent was led by Captain Aman Jagtap. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF), bought from France in 2015, were also part of the fly-past over the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Video of Punjab Regiment parading down Champs-Elysees
Details on PM Modi's first day in Paris
On Thursday, the Indian PM received a red-carpet welcome as he reached Paris. The French president and first lady also hosted a dinner for PM Modi at the Elysee Palace. Later in the day, PM Modi met with the French prime minister and discussed expanding cooperation in several sectors, including the economy, energy, environment, and commerce, among others.
Modi becomes first Indian PM to receive France's highest award
More significantly, President Macron conferred PM Modi with the highly prestigious Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on Thursday. Known as the highest award in military or civilian orders in France, PM Modi is the first prime minister of India to receive this prestigious honor. It was established in 1802 by the former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
