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NATION JULY 21, 2023 | The Indian Eye 6

Big-ticket defense deals and top French honor:

Modi’s visit to France scripts a new chapter

An Indian military contingent marched to the tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a
squadron of IAF Rafale fighters participated in a flypast at the Bastille Day Parade.

OUR BUREAU
Paris/New Delhi
rime Minister Narendra Modi
attended Bastille Day Parade
Pas Guest of Honor at the invi-
tation of French President Emman-
uel Macron on the Champs-Élysées.
“To mark the 25th anniversary of
the India-France Strategic Partner-
ship, 241-member tri-service Indian
armed forces contingent led by a mil-
itary band also participated in the Pa-
rade,” the PMO said in a statement.
The Indian Army contingent was
led by the Punjab Regiment, along
with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.
During the parade, the Indi-
an military contingent marched to
the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se
Accha,’ while a squadron of Indi-
an Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters
participated in a flypast over the
Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day
Parade.
Rafale Jets of the Indian Air
Force, from the 101 Squadron from
Hashimara, formed a part of the fly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Emmanuel Macron, France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron and others witness the marching of Indian
past during the parade. “A giant in
world history, with a decisive role to Army personnel during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on Friday (ANI)
play in the future, a strategic partner,
a friend. We are proud to welcome French soil during the World Wars,” received by select prominent lead- has been approved along with asso-
India as our guest of honor at the 14 the Indian Army tweeted. ers and eminent personalities from ciated ancillary equipment, weapons,
July parade,” President Macron said. IAF’s Rafale jets flypast was across the world. These include simulator, spares, documentation,
PM Modi and President Emman- showcased during the parade. Later, the former South African Presi- crew training and logistic support
uel Macron met notable dignitaries PM Modi attended the lunch hosted dent Nelson Mandela, King Charles for the Indian Navy from the French
during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. by the President of French National - the then Prince of Wales, For- Government based on Inter-Govern-
July 14 marks the anniversary of Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet. mer German Chancellor Angela mental Agreement (IGA).
the storming of the Bastille prison on PM Narendra Modi has become Merkel, and Former United Na- It said price and other terms of
July 14, 1789, during the French Rev- the first Indian Prime Minister to have tions Secretary-General Boutros purchase will be negotiated with the
olution, which symbolizes the demo- been conferred with the Grand Cross Boutros-Ghali, among others. French Government after taking into
cratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and of the Legion of Honor, France’s Earlier, the Defense Acquisition account all relevant aspects, includ-
Fraternity’, the central theme of both highest civilian and military honor, by Council (DAC), chaired by Defense ing comparative procurement price
the Indian and French constitutions. French President Emmanuel Macron. Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Ac- of similar aircraft by other countries.
PM Modi and President Em- It is the highest French honor ceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Further, the integration of Indi-
manuel Macron witnessed the Indi- in military or civilian orders. With procurement of 26 Rafale Marine an-designed equipment and estab-
an tri-services contingent flew over this, PM Modi becomes the first aircraft for the Indian Navy. lishment of a Maintenance, Repair
the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, Indian PM to receive this honor. DAC, which held a meeting here and Operations (MRO) Hub for
showcasing the French national flag. PM Modi thanked French Presi- on Thursday, also granted the AoN various systems will be incorporated
They also saw French and Indian sol- dent Macron for the honor on be- for the procurement of three addi- into the contract documents after
diers march along Paris’s tree-lined half of the people of India. The tional Scorpene submarines under due negotiations.
Champs-Elysees avenue, as Rafale award ceremony took place at the Buy (Indian) category which will be The release said that the DAC
fighter planes purchased by India in Elysee Palace where Macron host- constructed by Mazagon Dock Ship- also approved the proposal to lay
2015 flew above the Arc de Triomphe. ed PM Modi for a private dinner. builders Limited (MDL). A Defense down guidelines for achieving the
“It reminds us of the valor & In the past, the Grand Cross Ministry release said acceptance of desired indigenous content in all cat-
courage of the Indian soldiers on the of the Legion of Honor has been Necessity for Rafale Marine aircraft egories of capital acquisition cases.

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