Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been extended a prestigious invitation to serve as the guest of honour for France’s Bastille Day celebrations, set to take place on July 14. Bastille Day holds immense historical significance for France, commemorating the iconic storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. This symbolic event marked the advent of the revolution and stood as a powerful representation of the struggle for freedom, equality, and democracy. In present times, Bastille Day is celebrated as a national holiday, locally known as “Fête de la Fédération,” uniting the French nation and honoring the ideals of the revolution.
The upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Emmanuel Macron in Paris is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France. The two nations have already collaborated extensively, particularly in the defense sector, with India acquiring French-made Rafale fighter jets to enhance its military capabilities. Given the tensions along India’s northern border with China, the urgency to reinforce defense capabilities has become a top priority for New Delhi. The meeting aims to explore new avenues of cooperation, setting objectives for strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic collaboration across various industrial sectors.
President Macron’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi as the guest of honour for the Bastille Day celebrations signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the strategic partnership between France and India. The red carpet welcome and the participation of Indian forces in the prestigious military parade highlight the significance of this relationship. Both nations share common values and interests, including the promotion of democracy, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. Strengthening their ties not only benefits the bilateral relationship but also contributes to regional and global stability.
Notable figures associated with France include Élisabeth Borne, the Prime Minister of France, and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.