Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored as the guest of honor at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on Friday. The parade, which is one of France’s most spectacular accolades, showcased French and Indian soldiers marching down the Champs-Elysees avenue, while French-made Rafale fighter jets, purchased by India in 2015, flew past the Arc de Triomphe.
The visit of Modi to France has also sealed high-profile defense deals between the two nations. During his two-day visit, Modi was granted the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award. French President Emmanuel Macron praised India as a “giant in the history of the world” and emphasized the strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries.
The defense deals between India and France include the purchase of an additional 26 Rafale jets for the Indian navy and three Scorpene class submarines. These deals deepen the defense ties between the two nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where both countries have significant interests. The total value of the purchases is expected to be around $9.75 billion.
France has been a close partner of India in Europe for decades, and it was the only Western nation that did not impose sanctions on India after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998. The aging fleet of India’s Russian-made planes, along with delays in indigenous manufacturing plans, has led to the need for these new defense deals.
However, Modi’s visit to France has faced criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the perceived authoritarian nature of Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and allegations of discrimination against minorities. The French Ligue des Droits de l’Homme (LDH) rights group denounced the invitation, stating that it sends a disastrous signal and negates democratic values.
For France, the strategic partnership with India is crucial as it seeks to consolidate its alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region. This comes after France faced a setback when Australia decided to cancel a major submarine contract with France and form the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States. Both India and France have deep interests in the Indian Ocean and share concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
The Bastille Day military parade is a prestigious event in France, and Macron has only invited a few global leaders to attend. In 2017, he invited former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was impressed by the French march-past and requested a similar parade to celebrate American troops.
Overall, Modi’s visit to France has strengthened the defense ties between the two nations and highlighted the strategic partnership between India and France in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it has also faced criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the political situation in India.
In what ways does the collaboration and strategic partnership between India and France in defense deepen their security interests in the Indo-Pacific region
Countries have security interests.
Modi’s attendance at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on Friday marked a significant honor for the Indian Prime Minister. The parade, which is known as one of France’s most impressive accolades, was a showcase of French and Indian soldiers marching down the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue. This grand spectacle included the magnificent sight of French-made Rafale fighter jets, which were purchased by India in 2015, flying past the historic Arc de Triomphe.
Moreover, Modi’s visit to France has solidified high-profile defense deals between the two nations. Over the course of his two-day visit, Modi was bestowed with the prestigious Legion of Honour, the highest award given by France. This gesture further highlights the strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries. French President Emmanuel Macron commended India as a “giant in the history of the world” and emphasized the importance of the collaboration between both nations.
The defense deals between India and France encompass the acquisition of an additional 26 Rafale jets for the Indian navy and three Scorpene class submarines. These agreements serve to deepen the defense ties between India and France, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where both countries have vested security interests.
