Ahead of Modi’s Paris visit, Macron’s advisor meets him

A PMO statement said that Bonne briefed Modi on the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation in the context of the PM’s forthcoming visit to France.

“The PM conveyed his gratitude to President Macron for his invitation to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations as Guest of Honour on July 14. Recalling his recent meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Hiroshima, the PM said that he looked forward to continuing their conversation in Paris that would further strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership,” the statement said.

Sources said that the main agenda of the discussions between Doval and Bonne was preparations for Modi’s visit and overall strategic cooperation.

Modi’s trip to Paris will be special as it will be the first Bastille Day visit by a foreign leader in Macron’s current term, sources said.

July 14, commemorated as the Bastille Day, is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille in 1789 during the French Revolution.

A 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces has already left for Paris to participate in the Bastille Day parade, alongside their French counterpart.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 77 marching personnel and 38 members of the band is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. The Indian Navy contingent will be led by Commander Vrat Baghel and Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy will lead the Indian Air Force contingent.

The Army contingent is represented by the Punjab Regiment, which is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations. In World War-I, they were awarded 18 Battle and Theatre Honours.

The Rajputana Rifles Regiment Band is accompanying the contingent. The Regiment is the senior-most rifle regiment of the Indian Army. They are the recipients of six Victoria Cross before Independence.

Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also take part in the flypast over the Champs Elysees on the occasion, along with French jets.

France has been a key partner for India in a range of sectors including defence, space and nuclear technology and sources said that progress in these areas are expected.

This year, both countries are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership. The armies of both the countries have been participating in joint exercises and sharing their experiences.