Prime Minister Narendra Modi would embark on a two-day visit to France on July 13 to celebrate 25 years of India's strategic partnership with France. The visit is expected to further strengthen ties between the nations and cooperation in the field of defence technology is reportedly high on the agenda.
French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Narendra Modi as a guest of honour to the Bastille Day parade, to celebrate 25 years of the India-France partnership and a tri-services contingent from India would also take part in the parade alongside French forces.
According to reports, marching contingents of the Army, the Navy and the IAF will participate in the parade along with their French counterparts. A 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian armed forces on Thursday left for Paris on board two C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Four Rafale fighter jets of the IAF will also take part in the flypast over the Champs Elysees on the occasion along with French jets.
A woman helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force will lead the force's marching contingent at the parade. The tri-services contingent comprised 77 marching personnel from the Army and 38 members from its band.
Earlier, French President's diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne visited India and met with Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “Bonne briefed PM on the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation in the context of PM’s forthcoming visit to France,” a statement from PMO said. Modi's trip to Paris will be special as it will be the first Bastille Day visit by a foreign leader in Macron's current term.
According to reports, Macron would be hosting a ceremonial dinner for Modi at Louvre Museum on July 13. Over 250 dignitaries are expected to attend the event. Modi would also be addressing the Indian diaspora in France at La Seine Musicale on the day.
(With PTI inputs.)
