| 13 July 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Thursday for a two-day visit to France, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The Indian leader's visit comes as he has been invited as the Guest of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the highly anticipated Bastille Day Parade, a significant event commemorating the French Revolution.
During his stay in France on July 13 and 14, Prime Minister Modi will partake in various engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and France. A notable highlight of his visit will be his role as the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade, which will witness the participation of a 269-member Indian tri-service contingent. In a show of solidarity, three Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF) will join the flypast alongside French jets, symbolizing the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
In addition to the parade, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on a wide range of crucial areas, including defense, space, trade, and investment. The talks aim to further deepen the strategic partnership between India and France and explore avenues for collaboration in various sectors.
The prime minister's itinerary in France is packed with several key engagements. Upon his arrival in Paris at around 4 pm (Indian Standard Time), Prime Minister Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome at Orly Airport. Subsequently, he will proceed to the Senate for a meeting with Gérard Larcher, the President of the Senate. At approximately 8:45 pm (IST), Prime Minister Modi will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, where they are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest and cooperation.
Later in the evening, around 11 pm (IST), Prime Minister Modi will address the Indian community at the renowned La Seine Musicale, a landmark venue that will provide an opportunity for him to connect with the diaspora and strengthen ties with the Indian community residing in France.
The highlight of the visit will be a private dinner hosted by President Macron at the Elysee Palace, scheduled for around 12:30 am (IST). This intimate setting will offer an ideal platform for the leaders to engage in candid discussions on various bilateral issues and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that a significant defense deal will be announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit. Sources within the Indian government indicate that the deal, worth approximately Rs 90,000 crore, will include the procurement of 26 Rafale M naval jets and three additional Scorpene submarines from France. The agreement would encompass 22 single-seater Rafale jets, along with four double-seater trainer versions. The additional submarines are expected to be part of the ongoing Scorpene deal under Project 75, highlighting India's commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities.
Following his visit to France, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi, further underscoring the importance of strengthening India's ties with countries in the Middle East.
As the Prime Minister embarks on this significant diplomatic visit, the focus remains on fortifying the long-standing partnership between India and France and exploring new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the realms of defense, space, trade, and investment. The outcomes of these engagements are poised to pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual progress between the two nations.
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