PM Modi to be guest of honour for French military parade

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the guest of honour for France’s Bastille Day celebrations, which will take place on July 14. The Bastille Day military parade will witness the participation of Indian forces, emphasizing the strengthening strategic alliance between France and India

The Significance of Bastille Day

Bastille Day, celebrated annually on July 14, holds historical significance for France. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison by revolutionary insurgents in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. The assault on the medieval fortress marked the beginning of the revolution and symbolized the fight for freedom, equality, and democracy. Today, Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, known locally as “Fête de la Fédération,” and serves as a celebration of French unity and the ideals of the revolution.

Modi-Macron Meeting: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

The upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Emmanuel Macron in Paris is expected to further enhance the strategic partnership between India and France. The two countries have already collaborated in various sectors, including defense, with India procuring French-made Rafale fighter jets to modernize its armed forces. Given the tensions along India’s northern border with China, New Delhi’s urgency to bolster its defense capabilities has increased. The meeting aims to explore new avenues of cooperation, setting objectives for strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic collaboration across a wide range of industrial sectors.

A New Phase in the France-India Strategic Partnership

President Macron’s invitation to Modi as the guest of honour for the Bastille Day celebrations symbolizes the beginning of a new phase in the strategic partnership between France and India. The red carpet welcome and participation of Indian forces in the military parade underline the significance of this relationship. Both countries share common values and interests, including the promotion of democracy, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. Strengthening their ties not only benefits the bilateral relationship but also contributes to regional and global stability.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Prime Minister of France: Élisabeth Borne
• President of France: Emmanuel Macron