Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, July 13: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a red carpet welcome when he arrived in France on a two-day visit which is being interpreted as a step towards closer military cooperation between the two countries.
India is believed to be gearing up to acquire 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets that will fit into India’s maritime military plans and firm up other crucial defence deals. Modi was received by France’s Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Deputy General to the Military Governor of Paris Eric Chasboeuf when he arrived at the Orly airport in Orly, Paris’ suburb on Thursday.
Modi’s visit will focus on strengthening India-France ties in various domains including defence and space, infrastructure and culture. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership and his invitation for the Bastille Day indicates a new high in the bilateral relations. The opportunity to engage with the entire French political leadership indicates a shared commitment to the bilateral ties.
Modi’s schedule in Paris included interactions with the French President and other leading figures in the French government and business world, with the high point being the Bastille Day military parade, where he will be the chief guest on Friday.
Bastille Day, also known as Fete Nationale Francaise, is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the storming of the French prison in 1789, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution.
The Indian tri-services are going to be an integral part of the celebration. A 269-member contingent of the Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force will march alongside their French counterparts at the grand parade. The alliance between the two armies go back to World War 1.
France has been one of India’s closest allies in Europe for decades. It was the only country not to impose sanctions on New Delhi after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998 and went on to become one of the staunchest defence partners. Over the years, India has replaced its aging Russian fleet with French Mirages, Rafales and Scorpenes.
The Bastille Day celebrations will be followed by bilateral talks. A range of topics is on agenda, including cooperation in the spheres of security, technology, counterterrorism, cyber security, climate change and space. The visit will conclude with a grand state banquet at the iconic Louvre Museum.
Before departing for France, Modi said he would hold wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron to take forward the time-tested partnership. “Rooted in deep trust and commitment, our two countries cooperate closely across various domains including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture and people to people ties,” Modi said in a statement.
A few big-ticket announcements are expected during the visit, which includes the acquisition of another 26 Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines. The Defence Acquisition Committee headed by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the process and negotiations are likely to follow.
From France, Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates and meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi.