NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France holds immense significance, combining both symbolism and substance.
As the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day celebrations, PM Modi will participate in the renowned French National Day commemorating the historic Storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution in 1789.
The highlight of the Bastille Day Celebrations is the Bastille Day Parade, akin to India’s Republic Day Parade.
What sets this visit apart is the rarity of foreign leaders being invited as the Guest of Honour for Bastille Day, with the last occurrence being in 2017, when then US President Donald Trump received the invitation.
The participation of foreign marching contingents and aircraft is even rarer, making India’s presence all the more significant.
This visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, solidifying Franceโs role as a key strategic partner for India. It presents an opportune moment to chart the course for the next 25 years, aligning with India’s 100th anniversary of independence in 2047.
The personal chemistry between PM Modi and President Macron sets the stage for a fruitful visit.
President Macron has extended special gestures, including multiple meetings and accompanying the PM for a private dinner. The state banquet, hosted at the iconic Louvre Museum on Bastille Day, further underscores the warm bilateral relations.
During the visit, PM Modi will engage with France’s political leadership, including President Macron, Prime Minister Borne, and the Presidents of the Senate and National Assembly.
The focus will be on strengthening trade and economic ties, with a CEO Forum comprising prominent figures from both Indian and French industries.
The visit extends beyond bilateral issues, emphasising collaboration on global matters. PM Modi will interact with influential French personalities and engage with the prestigious La Seine Musicale alongside the Indian community. The visit builds upon the numerous activities organised by the Indian Embassy, including Namaste France earlier this week.
Ambitious outcomes are anticipated in various sectors, such as defence, space, geostrategy, infrastructure, energy, climate action, museology, student mobility, people-to-people exchanges, sports, and culture.
Meanwhile, PM Modi’s imminent visit to France has received a warm reception from business leaders. They anticipate that the visit will enhance economic, strategic, and defence cooperation between the two nations.
Saint Gobain expressed their recognition of India’s significance in their growth strategy through a tweet.
[#Event]
๐On the occasion of Franceโs National day, it’s a pleasure to welcome @PMOindia @Narendramodi, as guest of honor for #BastilleDay celebrations.
๐ฎ๐ณFor 25 years now, India has been a country of significant importance for #SaintGobainโs growth strategy.
๐ค@IndiaembFrance pic.twitter.com/cIxxX6VE6oโ Saint-Gobain (@saintgobain) July 10, 2023
Peter Herweck, CEO, Schneider Electric, welcomes PM Modi as the Guest of Honour for Bastille Day Celebrations.
As the festivities of Bastille Day in France begin, Schneider Electric welcomes @narendramodi as the โGuest of Honorโ as the two countries celebrate their 25 years of partnership. Thank you @EmmanuelMacron for bringing us together. pic.twitter.com/NldWKnZuar
โ Schneider Electric (@SchneiderElec) July 11, 2023
The CEO of Alstom expressed excitement for the visit, while Schneider Electric stated that it would foster closer ties between the two countries.
President and CEO of @Alstom welcomes PM @Narendramodi ahead of his historic visit to France. Alstom is a ๐ซ๐ท multinational transport company specializing in railways, metros and mobility solutions.@PMOIndia @jawedashraf5@meaindia @IndiaembFrance@Cimgoi @DDIndiaLive@PIB_India pic.twitter.com/qQ9P04Fswr
โ India in France (@IndiaembFrance) July 11, 2023
The Naval Group also welcomed the opportunity presented by the visit.
โ ๐ฎ๐ณx๐ซ๐ท We are honoured to welcome the ๐ฎ๐ณ PM @narendramodi on ๐ซ๐ท #BastilleDay. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate our strategic relationship with India, which has lasted for over 2๏ธโฃ5๏ธโฃ years ! ๐#IndoFrenchpartnership #AarmanirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/bxOHdkCFUT
โ Naval Group (@navalgroup) July 11, 2023
Augustin de Romanet, President and CEO of ย international airport operator Groupe ADP, spoke about strong relations between the two countries.
Augustin de @Romanet, President-CEO of @GroupeADP welcomes PM @Narendramodi ahead of his historic visit to France and spoke about strong ๐ฎ๐ณ-๐ซ๐ท relations. ADP is an international airport operator based in Paris. @PMOIndia @jawedashraf5@meaindia @Cimgoi @DDIndiaLive @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/Nga09MCxw4
โ India in France (@IndiaembFrance) July 11, 2023
The visit marks a significant milestone in the deepening friendship between India and France and paves the way for fruitful cooperation in diverse areas, contributing to the shared growth and prosperity of both nations.
