Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a grand welcome at the Bastille Day parade in Paris, showcasing the strong strategic partnership between India and France. Read on to learn about the high-profile defence deals and the significance of this visit.
-
Introduction
-
The Bastille Day Military Parade
-
Modi’s Visit and the Legion of Honour
-
Deepening Defence Ties
-
Concerns and Criticisms
-
Strategic Partnership and Geostrategic Importance
-
State Banquet and Talks
-
France’s Exclusive Invitation
-
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Alliances
Introduction:
Bastille Day Parade to honor Indian PM Narendra Modi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome and the distinguished honor of being the guest of honor at the Bastille Day parade in Paris. This article highlights the significance of Modi’s visit, the defence deals between India and France, and the strategic partnership between the two nations.
- The Bastille Day Military Parade: The Bastille Day military parade is one of France’s most spectacular events, showcasing its military might and heritage. This year, Indian and French soldiers marched down the Champs-Elysees avenue, accompanied by a fly-past of French-made Rafale fighter jets, symbolizing the strong defence ties between India and France.
- Modi’s Visit and the Legion of Honour: During his two-day visit to Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award. The honor further solidifies the friendly relations between India and France and recognizes India’s significant role in the world.
- Deepening Defence Ties: India’s approval to purchase an additional 26 Rafale jets for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines strengthens the defence ties between the two nations. These defence deals aim to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and address common security concerns.
- Concerns and Criticisms: Modi’s visit has faced criticisms from human rights organizations due to concerns about the perceived authoritarian nature of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and accusations of discrimination against minorities. The French Ligue des Droits de l’Homme (LDH) rights group expressed concerns about India’s democratic values.
- Strategic Partnership and Geostrategic Importance: The strategic partnership between India and France is crucial in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have deep interests in the Indian Ocean and share concerns about China’s growing assertiveness. France seeks to consolidate its alliance network in the region after Australia’s decision to form the AUKUS alliance.
- State Banquet and Talks: Prime Minister Modi met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace and at a state dinner at the Louvre Museum. These interactions aim to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
- France’s Exclusive Invitation: Being invited to the Bastille Day military parade is a significant honor reserved for a few global leaders. Macron previously invited former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed admiration for the French march-past and considered a similar parade to celebrate American troops.
- Looking Ahead: Strengthening Alliances: The visit of Prime Minister Modi to France marks a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations. It sets the stage for further collaboration in defence, trade, and cultural exchange, while also addressing concerns related to human rights and democratic values.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s presence at the Bastille Day military parade highlights the strong ties between India and France. The defence deals and strategic partnership serve as important milestones in the relationship between the two nations, as they seek to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region and address common challenges.
In short
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends Bastille Day military parade in Paris
- President Emmanuel Macron grants Modi the Legion of Honour
- France and India deepen defence ties with new purchases of Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines
- Total value of the defence deals expected to be around $9.75 billion
- France has been a close partner of India for decades
- Macron faces protests and declining popularity due to retirement age increase
- Human rights organizations criticize Modi’s visit due to concerns of growing authoritarianism and discrimination against minorities
- Strategic partnership between France and India crucial for both countries in the Indo-Pacific region
- Both nations have interests in the Indian Ocean and are wary of China’s assertiveness
- Macron has previously invited global leaders like Donald Trump for the Bastille Day parade.
#BastilleDay #NarendraModi #France #India #DefenceDeals #StrategicPartnership #IndoPacific #MilitaryParade #LegionOfHonour #GeostrategicImportance #Alliances #HumanRights #Democracy #InternationalRelations #IndianOcean #RafaleJets #ScorpeneSubmarines #Paris #EmmanuelMacron #StateVisit