Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored as a guest of honor at France’s Bastille Day military parade, showcasing the strong defense ties between the two countries. Modi, accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron, witnessed the parade on Paris’ Champs-Elysees, which featured a fly-past of French-made Rafale fighter jets that India had purchased in 2015. Macron, despite facing public discontent over his decision to raise the retirement age, hailed India as a strategic partner and a friend.
Modi’s visit to Paris also solidified defense collaborations, as India approved the acquisition of 26 additional Rafale jets for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines. The total value of these purchases is estimated to be around $9.75 billion. France, unlike other Western nations, refrained from imposing sanctions on India after its nuclear tests in 1998, fostering a close partnership between the two countries.
While the visit celebrated the alliance between France and India, it drew criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the perceived authoritarian nature of Modi’s government and allegations of discrimination against minorities. However, the strategic partnership between India and France holds significance as both countries have interests in the Indian Ocean region and share concerns over China’s growing assertiveness.
French President Macron’s invitation of Modi to the Bastille Day military parade demonstrates the importance of their relationship, and it echoes Macron’s invitation of former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017, which impressed Trump and led him to explore a similar parade for American troops. The visit concluded with talks between Macron and Modi at the Elysee Palace, followed by a state banquet at the Louvre Museum
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