After getting an invitation as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade, prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit France on July 13-14.
This marks a very rare occasion as France is not known for inviting foreign dignitaries every year to the Bastille Day Parade.
Bastille Day is marked by a special military parade at the Champs Elysees in Paris.
Why PM Modi's France tour is important
PM Modi's visit to France holds immense importance as it is expected to further strengthen the strategic relationship shared by the two nations.
In a bid to finalise the bilateral agenda and the possible outcomes of the two-day visit, Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, visited New Delhi on Thursday.
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This year India and France are celebrating the completion of 25 years of strategic partnership.
To mark the occasion, an Indian armed forces contingent will participate in the parade alongside their French counterparts.
It has been reported that a woman helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force will lead its marching contingent at the Bastille Day parade in Paris next week
What to expect from PM Modi’s France visit?
PM Modi's two-day visit is expected to emphasise on strategic partnership between the countries in terms of setting ambitious objectives in areas of strategic collaboration, scientific advancements, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.
The French envoy to India, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain termed the visit “maximum impact and maximum outcomes”, for both nations. He also said that 'Make in India' will be a priority going beyond just manufacturing to “co-development”.
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As per media reports, defence cooperation could be one of the major points on the agenda including. The discussions are expected to include large defence contracts, cooperation in trade and a new course for bilateral ties alongside talks for the naval version of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets.
It has been reported that India is close to acquiring the Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets which can operate from the flight deck of INS Vikrant.
