During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit this week, the India-France strategic partnership is poised to undergo a significant overhaul. The two countries are set to strengthen ties in economic and military arenas as New Delhi looks to deepen engagement with Western powers amid rising Chinese assertiveness.
A significant defense acquisition pact and an exhaustive bilateral engagement are expected to highlight the visit. PM Modi will be the guest of honor at Friday’s Bastille Day celebrations — the country’s Independence Day, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution more than 200 years ago. A tri-services Indian armed forces contingent will take part in the traditional parade.
The PM will have multiple meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, including a private dinner, a joint meeting with CEOs, and the state banquet at the iconic Louvre museum on Bastille Day, reports say. The trip will also allow the two leaders to connect with the Indian community in France. Sources said the itinerary underscores the warm personal chemistry between the two leaders.
In a reception led by President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will meet the entire political leadership of France, including Prime Minister Edouard Borne and the presidents of the Senate (Upper House) and National Assembly (Lower House). A strong focus on trade and economy with a CEO forum comprising big names from both sides will be there, the sources added. Sources said that close collaboration on global issues is also in the cards as the two leaders are keen to redefine and fortify the strategic partnership between the nations.
The sources added that the visit would highlight an agreement between New Delhi and Paris for procuring 26 Dassault Rafale-M navy fighter jets. The deal is likely to be signed soon after the visit. Besides, the two countries will likely sign an add-on to the existing contract for building three more Scorpene (Kalveri) class diesel-electric ‘killer-hunter’ conventional submarines in Mumbai’s Mazagon Dockyard Limited. They may also discuss a 100 percent technology transfer for developing the Shakti engine that powers India’s Advanced Light Helicopters.
An announcement on setting up an Indian research center in France and a joint venture for developing 5G and 6G telecommunications systems is also likely to be made. Besides this, the two countries could also discuss a joint plan for building supercomputers in India.
During the trip, the two leaders will address a diaspora event at La Seine Musicale and participate in a bilateral business leader forum, the presidency said. A ceremonial dinner at the Cour Marly courtyard at the famous Louvre museum is also on the cards. The dinner will see the two leaders getting clicked with Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting, reports said. The duo might also watch a fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower.
