Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to France marks a new high in the bilateral ties. The two countries share a ‘strategic partnership’ and the visit is likely to see many a positive outcome.
High on the agenda of the PM’s visit is the defence cooperation between the two countries, and it is understood that India is close to acquiring the Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets which can operate from the flight deck of INS Vikrant. It is expected that deals worth over Rs 90,000 crore to buy 26 Rafale M aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines will be announced during the PM’s visit.
Special reach-out
PM Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour by France at the Bastille Day Parade (France’s National Day) celebrations on July 14. It is worth noting here that France does not invite foreign dignitaries at the Bastille Day Parade every year. Therefore, the invite marks a special reach-out by France to India as both countries come together on a number of global issues. It is also a testament to the personal chemistry between French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi.
This year as India and France celebrate 25 years of their Strategic Partnership, another interesting facet to this visit will be the presence of a strong contingent of the Indian armed forces that will march alongside their French counterparts in the parade. A contingent of 269 men of Indian Army from the Punjab Regiment and the Rajputana Rifles will participate in the parade on the ground while one single Indian Air Force Rafale fighter will participate in the show with three others following in a formation.
Space cooperation
Other than defence, co-operation in space technology and China will also be on the agenda when PM Modi holds talks with the French President.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its French counterpart, the Centre National de Etudes Spatiales (CNES), are likely to discuss collaborations in launching satellites and also training astronauts and partnerships in space industrial engineering. The concerns with China, it is reliably learnt, will also come up for discussions. India has had a tense relationship with China over the last few years as the Chinese continue their aggressive activities near the border. France, like much of Europe and the United States, is trying to deal with an expansionist China, while maintaining the trade links.
Indian diaspora
Earlier, on July 6, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two had discussed details with regards to the PM Modi’s visit.
PM Modi will also address the Indian diaspora at an event during his visit. The delegation-level talks will be held after the Bastille Day Parade and the same evening Macron will host the PM for a ceremonial dinner.
For India and PM Modi, this visit assumes great significance given the changing global geopolitics. It is also an acknowledgment of India having earned its rightful place in the world order and of the PM’s position as a world leader. After a highly successful visit to the US, PM Modi’s France trip also signals the world’s respect for India and its leadership.
