French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on July 14th, and Mr Modi has accepted the invitation. The parade celebrates the values of “liberty, equality and fraternity” and will include a contingent from the Indian armed forces.
This is the second time an Indian Prime Minister has been invited to the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attending in 2009. PM Modi’s attendance is particularly significant as India and France are currently commemorating the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership, established in 1998.
The relationship between India and France is a strong and long-term one, according to Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain, who has expressed pride in their shared achievements and eagerness to establish further collaboration with India. The two countries share a commitment to working together towards common goals in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Bastille Day is celebrated in Paris on July 14th, marking the storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority in France. Inviting Heads of State or government for this occasion is not a tradition, and such an invitation is only extended on special occasions. This visit by PM Modi is expected to be a pivotal moment in the relationship between India and France.
