28 June 2023, Mumbai: Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, alongside a military contingent, are set to partake in the Bastille Day flypast over Paris’ Champs Elysees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour during the French traditional military parade on July 14, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between France and India. The Indian Defence Official confirmed the deployment of Indian fighter aircraft for the event.
In addition to the flypast, the Indian military contingent will also participate in the marching contingent on Bastille Day. French President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to PM Modi to be the Guest of Honour during France’s National Day celebrations. Macron tweeted, expressing his pleasure in welcoming PM Modi to Paris for the July 14 parade.
PM Modi’s visit is expected to mark a new phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership, establishing ambitious goals for cooperation across strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic domains. The official statement released by the Indian Embassy in France highlights the shared commitment of India and France to the principles of the United Nations Charter, serving as the foundation of collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The visit will provide an opportunity for India and France to address key global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. It will also serve as a platform to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, particularly in the context of India’s G20 Presidency.
Article by PRITESH PATEL