Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with a prestigious honor as the guest of honor at France's Bastille Day military parade, marking a visit highlighted by significant defense agreements.
Alongside President Emmanuel Macron, Modi witnessed a splendid display of French and Indian military prowess on the historic Champs Elysees avenue in Paris. The parade featured the iconic Rafale fighter jets, symbolizing the deepening defense ties between the two nations.
Bastille Day, commemorating the French Revolution's pivotal moment in 1789, provided a backdrop for the diplomatic exchange. However, Macron faced public dissent amidst domestic challenges, including protests over retirement reforms.
Modi's visit commenced with the conferral of France's highest honor, the Legion of Honour, underscoring the nation's strategic partnership. This alliance was further solidified with India's approval to acquire additional Rafale jets and Scorpene-class submarines from France, bolstering defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite criticism from human rights groups regarding Modi's governance and treatment of minorities, Macron extended a warm welcome, emphasizing India's pivotal role in shaping global affairs. The visit underscores France's strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific, aligning with India's interests amid regional power dynamics.
As Modi's diplomatic engagement continues with discussions at the Elysee Palace and a state banquet at the Louvre Museum, the visit underscores the convergence of interests between India and France amidst geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific.