“A Comprehensive Overview of PM Modi’s Bastille Day Visit”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited as the Guest of Honour to join French President Emmanuel Macron in the Bastille Day parade, marking the French National Day. During his two-day official visit to France, PM Modi participated in the India-France CEOs Forum meeting with Macron.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, he made some important decisions to enhance India’s defense capabilities. India decided to purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets and three Scorpene class submarines. These are advanced and powerful weapons that will strengthen India’s Air Force and Navy.

The Rafale M fighter jets are specially designed for naval operations, meaning they can take off and land on aircraft carriers. This makes them highly versatile and valuable for protecting India’s seas and coastline. India already has 36 Rafale C jets in its Air Force, and by adding the Rafale M variant, they can improve coordination and efficiency between the two forces.

On the other hand, the Scorpene class submarines are known for their stealth and modern technology. They can stay hidden under the water and are equipped with state-of-the-art systems for detecting and neutralizing potential threats. These submarines will significantly enhance India’s naval strength, ensuring the safety of its maritime borders and territorial waters.

The decision to invest in such advanced defense systems demonstrates India’s resolve to maintain a strong and modern defense infrastructure. By collaborating with France, a trusted partner known for its expertise in defense manufacturing, India reinforces the mutual commitment to enhancing security cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

A significant highlight of the celebrations was the participation of a 269-member Indian tri-services contingent in the parade, accompanied by three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets flying alongside their French counterparts. The 269-member Indian tri-services contingent participated in the Bastille Day parade, marching to the tune of ‘Saare Jahan se achcha.’ PM Modi saluted the contingent as it passed the dais where he and President Macron were seated, symbolizing the camaraderie between the two nations.

Chanel CEO Leena Nair expressed her admiration for PM Modi’s dedication to supporting women and girls in business during their meeting. She found it to be a proud moment and acknowledged his encouragement for her to serve as a role model for women emerging from India.

In a speech on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed profound admiration for India, describing it as a historical giant with a decisive role to play in shaping the world’s future. He emphasized India’s significance as a strategic partner and a cherished friend to France.

The Indian delegation presented thoughtful gifts, including a hand-carved sandalwood elephant statue symbolizing wisdom and strength, gifted to the President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher. Additionally, a hand-knitted Kashmiri silk carpet renowned for its craftsmanship and color-changing properties was presented to the President of the French National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet.

PM Modi gifted a magnificent marble inlay worktable to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, showcasing the delicate art of using semi-precious stones on high-quality marble from Rajasthan, India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a mesmerizing gift to French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, during his visit to France. He gifted her a beautiful saree made of intricate Ikat fabric from the Pochampally town of Telangana, showcasing India’s rich textile heritage. The Pochampally silk ikat saree is renowned for its vibrant colours and intricate designs, making it a true treasure in the world of textiles. The saree was thoughtfully presented in a decorative Sandalwood Box, adding a touch of elegance and cultural significance to the gift.

Another remarkable gift from PM Modi was a replica of a Sitar, meticulously carved from pure sandalwood. The fine technique of cutting sandalwood is a long-standing tradition in southern India. The replica featured images of Goddess Saraswati holding the musical instrument Veena and Lord Ganesha. Alongside, the carving displayed illustrations of peacocks, India’s National Bird, and intricate motifs from Indian culture, reflecting the country’s diverse artistic heritage.

During his visit, PM Modi stressed the significance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. He also discussed the potential for co-production and co-development in the defense sector, enhancing India’s collaboration with other countries, particularly allies. Moreover, PM Modi expressed India’s eagerness to cooperate with France in various domains, including renewable energy, Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, and digital technology.

The joint address by PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored their commitment to working together for peace and cooperation. President Macron lauded PM Modi’s decisions in the space domain, acknowledging India’s remarkable progress in space exploration, including the forthcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Prime Minister also made significant announcements on UPI and work visas. He highlighted India’s evolving role in the “new world order” and its unique model of diversity as the “mother of democracy.” They also spoke about important matters such as digital payment systems through UPI and facilitating work visas. The discussions centered on the changing global landscape and India’s evolving role in it.

While Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France brought important strategic announcements, it also faced criticism from human rights organizations. They express concerns about the perceived rise of authoritarianism within Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and allegations of discrimination against minority groups in India.

France considers its strategic partnership with India as crucial, especially as it looks to strengthen its alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region. This move comes after Australia’s decision to cancel a major French submarine contract and join the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States, which dealt a setback to France.

Both India and France, with their island territories, have significant interests in the Indian Ocean. They share concerns about China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, making their cooperation and collaboration even more essential to maintain peace, stability, and balance in the Indo-Pacific area.

Overall, these decisions show India’s determination to upgrade its defense infrastructure and safeguard its national security. They also reflect India’s focus on promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. The strategic partnership with France not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also fosters a strong bond between the two countries, working together for a secure and prosperous future.