Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Spectacular Honour at Bastille Day Parade in Paris

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 events, 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 defense deals come at a time when both countries are seeking allies in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s growing assertiveness.

However, Modi’s visit to France has also faced criticism from human rights organizations. Concerns have been raised about the perceived authoritarian nature of Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and accusations of discrimination against minorities. The French Ligue des Droits de l’Homme (LDH) rights group denounced the invitation to Modi, stating that it sends a “disastrous signal” and goes against democratic values.

Despite the criticism, the strategic partnership between India and France remains crucial for both countries. France is seeking to consolidate its alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region, especially after Australia’s decision to cancel a major submarine contract with France and form the AUKUS alliance with the United States and Britain.

Macron has reserved the Bastille Day military parade for only a few global leaders. 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.

The visit of Modi to France highlights the growing defense cooperation between the two nations and the significance of their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

How will the provision of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India enhance its security and military capabilities?

Ce include the provision of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India, worth around $8.7 billion, as well as agreements on missile systems and submarines.

Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and the strengthening of bilateral ties, stating that the defense deals will further enhance India’s security and military capabilities.

The Bastille Day parade, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution, is seen as a symbol of French unity and military strength. It is followed by a firework display and other festivities, attracting thousands of spectators from around the world.

Modi’s presence at the parade highlights the growing importance of India as a global player, particularly in the field of defense. The country’s defense budget has increased significantly in recent years, as it seeks to modernize its armed forces and enhance its regional influence.

The strategic partnership between India and France is also seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing power in the region. Both countries share concerns about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa.

The defense deals and Modi’s visit to France reaffirm the commitment of both countries to strengthening their military cooperation and promoting peace and security in the region.

Overall, the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France for the Bastille Day military parade has not only celebrated the longstanding friendship between the two countries but has also helped seal high-profile defense deals, highlighting India’s growing significance on the global stage.