PM Modi in France, Day 2: Defence cooperation strong pillar of India-France relationship, says PM

PM Modi in France, Day 2, Bastille Day: On the second day of his two-day visit to France on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day — Bastille Day — celebrations in Paris as the Guest of Honour and the two leaders issued a joint press statement after their talks at the Elysee Palace. In his statement, PM Modi said that a roadmap to strengthen India-France strategic ties over the next 25 years was being prepared with bold and ambitious goals, as he asserted that defence cooperation was a strong pillar of the relationship.

In his joint press statement with President Macron, PM said, "We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. On the strong foundation of the last 25 years, we are preparing a roadmap for the coming 25 years. We are setting bold and ambitious goals for this." 

He said defence ties have always been the basic pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. “This is a symbol of mutual trust between the two countries," he said.

"France is an important partner in ‘Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat...Be it submarines or naval aircraft, together we want to fulfil not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries," Modi said.

Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have impacted the whole world, Modi said the countries of the Global South have been particularly impacted negatively.

"This is a matter of concern. To find solutions to such problems, it is important for countries to make efforts unitedly. We believe that all disputes can be resolved only through dialogue and diplomacy. India is willing to contribute to lasting peace,” the prime minister said.

"In the fight against terrorism, India and France have been together. We believe that strong action needs to be taken against cross-border terrorism," Modi said.

In his remarks, Modi also said the two countries have agreed to launch India's Unified Payment Interface in France.

He also announced that India would open a new Consulate in the port town of Marseille.

Earlier in the day: Prime Minister Modi joined President Macron for the Bastille Day parade as the Guest of Honour at the French National Day celebrations..The Bastille Day parade was all the more special this year as a 269-member contingent of Indian tri-services participated in it and three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) joined the flypast along with French jets.

Here is the complete itinerary of the second day of PM Modi's visit to France, all about Bastille Day and videos and images from the French National Day parade —  

PM Modi in France: Watch videos from Bastille Day Parade

* PM Modi joins President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour

VIDEO | PM Modi joins President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour in Paris. pic.twitter.com/P5goN6ezF3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 14, 2023

* French President Emmanuel Macron arrives for the Bastille Day parade at Champs-Élysées 

#WATCH | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives for the Bastille Day parade at Champs-Élysées in Paris. pic.twitter.com/CMDKFk1m4r

— ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2023

* Indian tri-services contingent flies over Paris while showcasing the French national flag during the Bastille Day Parade

VIDEO | Indian tri-services contingent fly over Paris while showcasing the French national flag during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. pic.twitter.com/rHWTwK6PEr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 14, 2023

* PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron watch as Indian tri-services contingent flies over the Bastille Day Parade 

VIDEO | PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron spectate as Indian tri-services contingent fly over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. pic.twitter.com/pgrM1SxesM

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 14, 2023

* Indian Army’s Punjab Regiment, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy contingents march during Bastille Day Parade

VIDEO | Indian Air Force and Indian Navy contingents march during Bastille Day Parade in Paris. pic.twitter.com/PdfVYOPEdy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 14, 2023

* French President Emmanuel Macron tweets, "A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend.  We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade."

A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend.

We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade. pic.twitter.com/bh6dwmHFRH

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2023

*PM Modi France visit: PM, French President Macron meet notable dignitaries at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris

VIDEO | PM Modi, along with President Emmanuel Macron, meets notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. pic.twitter.com/jh7o5ZJvOj

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 14, 2023

PM Modi in France: What is Bastille Day?

The French National Day — popularly called Bastille Day — has a special place in France's history as it signifies the storming of the Bastille prison during 1789's French Revolution. The Bastille Day parade is the highlight of the French National Day celebrations.

PM Modi in France: Day 2 itinerary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit

Here is the itinerary of day two of Prime Minister Modi's official visit to France — 

1) Prime Minister Modi to be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade, 
2) PM to meet the president of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet,
3) PM to attend a series of interactions with thought leaders and businesspeople.

PM Modi France visit, Day 2: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes PM Modi to France 

Early on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron had tweeted in Hindi, welcoming PM Modi to Paris: "भारत और फ्रांस 25 साल की रणनीतिक साझेदारी तथा विश्वास और दोस्ती के सदैव मजबूत बंधन का जश्न मना रहे हैं।  प्रिय @NarendraModi, पैरिस में हार्दिक स्वागत! (India and France are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership made of trust and friendship, which are only getting stronger with time. Dear @NarendraModi, welcome to Paris.)"

भारत और फ्रांस 25 साल की रणनीतिक साझेदारी तथा विश्वास और दोस्ती के सदैव मजबूत बंधन का जश्न मना रहे हैं।

प्रिय @NarendraModi, पैरिस में हार्दिक स्वागत! pic.twitter.com/sUoSmdfnw8

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2023

PM Modi France visit, Day 2: PM conferred with France's highest award Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour 

Upon being conferred with France's highest award Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, PM Modi tweeted: "It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation."

It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for… pic.twitter.com/Nw7V1JVgpb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023