The strategic ties India and France undertake by exchanging essential technology and jointly developing weapon systems will match the symbolism of Indian tri service personnel marching down Champs-Elysees and Indian Air Force jets flying past during Thursday's Bastille Day Parade, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honor.
This year's Bastille Day procession will be led by a tri-services delegation of 269 participants. Additionally, three Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force will lead the fly-by. The marching group has been practicing to the sound of "Sare Jahan Se Accha," which was heard a few weeks ago in France as riots broke out following the shooting of a teenager who jumped a traffic checkpoint.
With extensive security measures in place for the yearly military parade, the city is finally at peace. After his arrival, Modi will visit the Indian community and notable French figures at the famed La Seine Musicale.
“The prime minister and French president Emmanuel Macron share a very warm and personal strong equation and their common vision has given a very strong guidance to deepening and expansion of our partnership. The PM’s visit will set new benchmarks for our strategic partnership in the years ahead,” foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said ahead of the visit.
A agreement for naval fighter jets is anticipated to be reached during bilateral negotiations later. To satisfy pressing needs, the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighter jets by the Indian Navy has been approved. Although negotiations must be conducted, the formal signing of the agreement will take some time. The cost is approximately 5.5 billion euros.