A boost to bilateral defence ties will be at the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to France beginning today. According to news agency PTI, even before PM Modi’s visit began, the ground was prepared for the purchase of 26 new Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, while a big deal was also struck for the joint manufacture of an aircraft engine.
Without going into specific details, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing on Wednesday that the Prime Minister’s visit to France will be “significant” and enrich and set a “new standard” for strategic ties between the two countries.
“The Prime Minister’s visit to France will be rich in both substance and form and we are confident that it will set a new benchmark for our strategic partnership in the years to come,” PTI quoted Kwatra as saying. ”
According to the report, PM Modi will be the guest of honour at the annual Bastille Day parade, , and , will also hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to further boost bilateral cooperation in several key areas including defence, space, trade and investment.
The 269-member Indian tri-service contingent will participate in the annual Bastille Day parade. Along with French jets, three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also join the flypast.
According to a PTI report, PM Modi will meet French Senate President Gerard Larcher, , Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne and also address an Indian community event at La Seine Musical on Thursday.
After concluding his visit to France, PM Modi will go to Abu Dhabi. During his visit, he, , will hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further enhance bilateral ties in the areas of energy, food security, fintech and defence.
