PARIS: During his two-day visit to Paris, France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked upon a multitude of engagements, including wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron and his participation as the esteemed Guest of Honour in the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, celebrations.
As Prime Minister Modi touched down in Paris, he was greeted by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who extended a warm ceremonial welcome. Sharing his arrival on Twitter, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for bolstering India-France cooperation during this visit. "Landed in Paris. Looking forward to enhancing India-France collaboration throughout my stay. Among my various engagements today is an interaction with the Indian community later in the evening," he tweeted.
PM Modi's packed itinerary in Paris encompasses active involvement in the Bastille Day festivities, as well as a series of interactions with French leadership, the Indian diaspora, prominent personalities, and CEOs, according to MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
Before departing for France, PM Modi conveyed his enthusiasm for the visit, underscoring the honor of being invited as the Guest of Honour to partake in the vibrant Bastille Day celebrations alongside President Emmanuel Macron in the beautiful city of Paris.
During the Bastille Day parade, a contingent of 269 members from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces will participate. Additionally, three Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF) will join their French counterparts in a flypast during the celebration. PM Modi also acknowledged that 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.
PM Modi emphasized that the India-France relationship is deeply rooted in trust and commitment, fostering close cooperation across various domains such as defense, space, civil nuclear energy, the blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
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