Source : India Today
PM Modi arrives in France, rare Bastille Day honour for him, focus on defence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday landed in Paris for his two-day France visit. PM Modi was received by Prime Minister of France Elizabeth Borne.
The prime minister has been invited as the Guest of Honour by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the Bastille Day Parade. PM Modi will be in France on July 13 and 14.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi arrives in Paris, France; received by French PM Élisabeth Borne
PM Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. pic.twitter.com/mPY3qAm6vo
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2023
The prime minister on Friday (July 13) will be the guest of honour at the annual Bastille Day Parade, which will see the participation of a 269-member Indian tri-service contingent.
Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also join the flypast on the occasion, along with French jets.
Prime Minister Modi will also hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron to take forward cooperation in a range of key areas, including defence, space, trade and investment.
Landed in Paris. Looking forward to boosting India-France cooperation during this visit. My various programmes today include an interaction with the Indian community later in the evening. pic.twitter.com/2rBClUL0zJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2023
PM Modi is also scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi after his visit to France.
PM Modi’s schedule in France
- The prime minister will arrive in Paris at nearly 4 pm (Indian Standard Time) and will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Orly Airport
- At around 7.30 pm (IST), PM Modi will arrive at the Senate and meet Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate
- At around 8.45 pm (IST), PM Modi will hold a meeting with French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne
- PM Modi will next address an Indian community event at the iconic La Seine Musicale at around 11 pm (IST).
- Thereafter, at around 00:30 am (IST), PM Modi will reach the Elysee Palace for a private dinner, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
A deal to buy 26 Rafale M naval jets and three additional Scorpene submarines from France is expected to be announced during PM Modi’s visit.
The deals, worth approximately Rs 90,000 crore, would include 26 Rafale M aircraft, consisting of 22 single-seater and four double-seater trainer versions. According to top government sources, the three additional submarines will be part of the Scorpene deal under Project 75. IgMp
