PARIS: Amidst an array of pomp and grandeur, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with one of France's most magnificent honors on Friday as the esteemed guest of the Bastille Day military parade. This event is part of his visit, which has solidified high-profile defense agreements between the two nations. President Emmanuel Macron and Modi observed the march of French and Indian soldiers down the picturesque Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while the impressive French-made Rafale fighter jets, purchased by India in 2015, showcased a thrilling fly-past over the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

These national celebrations arrive at a delicate moment for Macron, who encountered some public dissent as he traversed the Champs-Elysees in a military vehicle. His decision to raise the retirement age sparked extensive protests during the spring, causing a decline in his popularity ratings.

Modi embarked on a two-day sojourn to Paris commencing on Thursday, during which he was bestowed with France's highest accolade, the Legion of Honour. In a speech delivered late on Thursday, Macron remarked, "(India) is a behemoth in world history and will play a defining role in our future. It is both a strategic partner and a friend."

The parade takes place following New Delhi's preliminary approval to procure an additional 26 Rafale jets for its navy, along with three Scorpene-class submarines, thereby strengthening defense ties with Paris at a time when both nations are seeking allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The estimated value of these acquisitions is around 800 billion rupees ($9.75 billion), according to a source familiar with the matter, although negotiations are still ongoing.

France has remained one of India's closest partners in Europe for several decades. Notably, it was the sole Western country that refrained from imposing sanctions on New Delhi after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998. India has relied on French fighter jets for the past four decades. Prior to procuring Dassault Aviation's Rafale, India acquired Mirage jets in the 1980s, which still constitute two squadrons within the Indian Air Force.

The aging fleet of Russian-made planes, coupled with Moscow's inability to perform maintenance work and delays in India's indigenous manufacturing plans, have necessitated these two new defense agreements. Later in the day, Macron will host Modi at the Elysee Palace for bilateral talks followed by a state banquet at the Louvre Museum.

However, Modi's visit has also 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), a human rights group, expressed their discontent on Twitter, stating, "Today, Emmanuel Macron rolls out the red carpet for Narendra Modi. The LDH, troubled by India's turn towards authoritarianism, denounces this invitation, which sends a detrimental signal that undermines our democratic values."

For France, the strategic partnership with India holds immense significance as it endeavors to strengthen its alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region. This objective has become particularly important after Australia's decision to cancel a major French submarine contract and form the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States. Both India and France, through their respective island territories, have deep interests in the Indian Ocean and share concerns over China's growing assertiveness in the region.

Macron has reserved the honor of the Bastille Day military parade for only a select few global leaders. He previously extended an invitation to Donald Trump for the 2017 celebrations, and the former U.S. president was so impressed by the French march-past that he directed Pentagon officials to explore the possibility of a similar parade commemorating American troops.

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