Defence cooperation is one of the important pillars of India-France ties, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that defence ties have been an important pillar between India and France relation.

Addressing a joint press meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris, PM Modi said that India and France are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership, and also making a roadmap for the next 25 years on the basis of the strong foundation of the previous 25 years.

“France is a crucial partner for India in the ‘Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This is a symbol of the deep trust between the two nations,” he said.

PM Modi, who is on a two-day official visit, received a warm welcome at the Elysee Palace from French President Macron, following which the two leaders delivered joint press statements.

French President Macron said he was happy to see Indian Contingent at the Bastille Day military parade earlier in the day. “I was proud to see the Punjab Regiment here in the heart of Paris. We are going ahead on the basis of a historic trust. Together we can find solutions for global crises,” he said.

Macron also announced plans to send over 30,000 French students to India by 2030. “We aim to send 30,000 French students to India. The government is also aiming to set up a favourable visa policy for Indian students. For young Indians aspiring to pursue higher education in France, we want to establish a favourable visa policy,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called France a “natural partner” and said that a roadmap to strengthen India-France strategic ties over the next 25 years was being prepared with bold and ambitious goals.

“We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. On the strong foundation of the last 25 years, we are preparing a roadmap for the coming 25 years. We are setting bold and ambitious goals for this,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined French President Emmanuel Macron for the Bastille Day parade as the Guest of Honour with an Indian tri-services marching contingent wowing crowds here during the French National Day celebrations.

Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) also joined the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.

“On this historic occasion of Bastille Day, joined the parade in Paris. My heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and honour received,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted along with pictures of the impressive march-past.

“India, inspired by its centuries-old ethos, is committed to doing everything possible to make our planet peaceful, prosperous and sustainable. 1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!” Modi tweeted.

PM Modi also talked about the successful launch of Chandrayaan3. “This is a major achievement of our scientists. In the arena of space, India and France have had an old and deep cooperation. There have been new agreements between our space agencies…We can enhance our cooperation in areas like Space-based Maritime Domain Awareness,” he added.

The French National Day, or Bastille Day, occupies a special place in the French consciousness as it commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. The Bastille Day parade is the highlight of the celebrations.