Modi Honored at France's Bastille Day Amid High-Profile Defence Deals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was treated to one of France's most spectacular accolades on Friday as guest of honour at the Bastille Day military parade, part of a visit that has sealed high-profile defence deals.
Friday's Bastille Day military parade in France served as more than just a national celebration. It marked a distinct elevation in the ties between France and India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was made the guest of honor at this grand event. This visit comes amid a host of high-profile defense deals between the two nations.
Modi, accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron, watched French and Indian soldiers march along Paris' iconic Champs-Elysees. The parade also showcased French-made Rafale fighter jets, which India acquired in 2015, swooping over the Arc de Triomphe.
Macron, embroiled in a domestic controversy over his decision to increase the retirement age, encountered a mixed reception on the Champs-Elysees. The move, which sparked months of protests and dented his popularity, led to the president being booed by a section of the crowd.
Modi's visit to Paris, which started on Thursday, saw him bestowed with the Legion of Honour, France's highest award. Macron, during his address, referred to India as a historical giant with a significant role in shaping the world's future. He also emphasized the strategic partnership and friendship between France and India.
The timing of this visit is significant. India recently gave preliminary approval to purchase an additional 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene class submarines, signifying a deepening of defense ties with France. These purchases, estimated to be worth around 800 billion rupees ($9.75 billion), come at a time when both countries are seeking allies in the increasingly strategic Indo-Pacific region.
The Indo-French defense partnership has a longstanding history. France, one of India's most trusted allies in Europe, refrained from imposing sanctions following India's nuclear tests in 1998. Indian airforce has relied on French fighter jets for four decades, from the Mirage jets of the 1980s to the recent Rafale acquisitions.
India's current deal comes amid issues with the aging fleet of Russian-made planes, Moscow's inability to deliver maintenance work, and delays in India's homegrown manufacturing plans.
However, Modi's visit has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over what they perceive as an increasing authoritarian turn under Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, coupled with accusations of discrimination against minorities.
Criticism also came from the French Ligue des Droits de l'Homme (LDH) rights group, which took to Twitter to express its concern about India's alleged authoritarian turn and said Macron's invitation to Modi negated France's democratic values.
For France, a strategic partnership with India is of utmost importance, especially in light of Australia's recent cancellation of a major French submarine contract in favor of forming the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States. Both France, with its Indian Ocean island territories, and India, share concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Macron has extended Bastille Day invitations to few global leaders. In 2017, he invited then U.S. President Donald Trump, who was so captivated by the French march-past that he requested a similar celebration for American troops.
Modi, accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron, watched French and Indian soldiers march along Paris' iconic Champs-Elysees. The parade also showcased French-made Rafale fighter jets, which India acquired in 2015, swooping over the Arc de Triomphe.
Macron, embroiled in a domestic controversy over his decision to increase the retirement age, encountered a mixed reception on the Champs-Elysees. The move, which sparked months of protests and dented his popularity, led to the president being booed by a section of the crowd.
Modi's visit to Paris, which started on Thursday, saw him bestowed with the Legion of Honour, France's highest award. Macron, during his address, referred to India as a historical giant with a significant role in shaping the world's future. He also emphasized the strategic partnership and friendship between France and India.
The timing of this visit is significant. India recently gave preliminary approval to purchase an additional 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene class submarines, signifying a deepening of defense ties with France. These purchases, estimated to be worth around 800 billion rupees ($9.75 billion), come at a time when both countries are seeking allies in the increasingly strategic Indo-Pacific region.
The Indo-French defense partnership has a longstanding history. France, one of India's most trusted allies in Europe, refrained from imposing sanctions following India's nuclear tests in 1998. Indian airforce has relied on French fighter jets for four decades, from the Mirage jets of the 1980s to the recent Rafale acquisitions.
India's current deal comes amid issues with the aging fleet of Russian-made planes, Moscow's inability to deliver maintenance work, and delays in India's homegrown manufacturing plans.
However, Modi's visit has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over what they perceive as an increasing authoritarian turn under Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, coupled with accusations of discrimination against minorities.
Criticism also came from the French Ligue des Droits de l'Homme (LDH) rights group, which took to Twitter to express its concern about India's alleged authoritarian turn and said Macron's invitation to Modi negated France's democratic values.
For France, a strategic partnership with India is of utmost importance, especially in light of Australia's recent cancellation of a major French submarine contract in favor of forming the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States. Both France, with its Indian Ocean island territories, and India, share concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Macron has extended Bastille Day invitations to few global leaders. In 2017, he invited then U.S. President Donald Trump, who was so captivated by the French march-past that he requested a similar celebration for American troops.
