French President Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Thursday, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Paris.
During his visit, PM Modi will attend the Bastille Day Parade as the guest of honor on July 14.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement mentioned that Bonne briefed Modi on the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation in preparation for the PM’s visit to France.
The statement also mentioned that PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Macron for the invitation to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations. PM Modi also expressed his anticipation of further strengthening the India-France Strategic Partnership during his upcoming meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The discussions between Doval and Bonne mainly focused on the preparations for Modi’s visit and overall strategic cooperation.
Modi’s upcoming trip to Paris will be special as it will be the first visit during Macron’s current term.
The Bastille Day, commemorated on July 14, marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 during the French Revolution.
Furthermore, a 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces has already departed for Paris to participate in the Bastille Day parade alongside their French counterpart. The Indian Army contingent, led by Captain Aman Jagtap, the Indian Navy contingent, led by Commander Vrat Baghel, and the Indian Air Force contingent, led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy, will be part of the parade.
The Punjab Regiment, one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army, is representing the Army contingent. The Rajputana Rifles Regiment Band, the senior-most rifle regiment of the Indian Army, is accompanying the contingent.
Furthermore, India will participate in the flypast over the Champs Elysees alongside French jets.
India and France have been key partners in various sectors including defence, space, and nuclear technology, and progress in these areas is expected during Modi’s visit.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. The armies of both countries have been participating in joint exercises and sharing their experiences.
