Defence cooperation strong pillar of bilateral ties: PM Narendra Modi

 PARIS: Noting that defence ties have been a strong pillar of relations between India and France and a symbol of the deep trust, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday talked about the possibilities of co-development and said the two countries together want to fulfil “not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries”.

Addressing a joint press conference with President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi said France is an important partner in the Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. “Defence ties have always been the basic foundation of our relations. This is a symbol of the deep trust between the two nations. France is an important partner in Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Be it submarines or Indian Naval ships, together we want to fulfil not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries...,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the two countries are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership.

“We are making a roadmap for the next 25 years on the basis of the strong foundation of the previous 25 years. Bold and ambitious goals are being set for this. The people of India

have taken the resolve to make themselves a developed nation. On this journey, we see France as a natural partner,” he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met thought leaders and some prominent business people during the second day of his visit to France.

He met prominent aerospace engineer and pilot Thomas Pesquet and Chanel CEO Leena Nair. He also met Charlotte Chopin, a yoga practitioner who will turn 100 soon. PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade on France’s National Day as the guest of honour at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. The majestic parade, which had participation from contingents from the Indian armed forces, took place under bright and sunny skies at the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement. The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, along with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of Sare Jahan Se Accha, while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade. Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the fly past during the parade.

“A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade,” President Macron said.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “India, inspired by its centuries-old ethos, is committed to doing everything possible to make our planet peaceful, prosperous and sustainable. 1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!”

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron met notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron received the guard of honour at the Bastille Day Parade. July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, which symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of both the Indian and French constitutions.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the Indian tri-services contingent flew over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, showcasing the French national flag. They also saw French and Indian soldiers march along Paris’s tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue, as Rafale fighter planes purchased by India in 2015 flew above the Arc de Triomphe. (ANI)

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