Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honored at Bastille Day Parade Amid Strengthened Indo-French Defense Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with one of France's grandest accolades on Friday as he graced the Bastille Day military parade as the guest of honor. The event marked a significant milestone in Modi's visit to France, which has further solidified high-profile defense agreements between the two nations.

Accompanied by President Emmanuel Macron, Modi observed the splendid spectacle of French and Indian soldiers marching down the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. Adding to the grandeur, the French-made Rafale fighter jets, which India acquired in 2015, showcased their prowess in a breathtaking fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe.

However, the national celebrations coincided with a challenging period for Macron. As he made his way down the Champs-Elysees in a military car, he encountered some public disapproval, with a section of the crowd booing him. Macron's decision to raise the retirement age earlier this year triggered months of protests and adversely affected his popularity ratings.

Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Paris, commencing on Thursday, during which he was honored with the Legion of Honour, France's highest award. In a late-night speech, Macron expressed his admiration for India, stating, "(India) is a giant in the history of the world which will have a determining role in our future. It is also a strategic partner and a friend."

The Bastille Day parade took place following New Delhi's initial approval to procure an additional 26 Rafale jets for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines, thereby deepening defense cooperation with Paris. These developments reflect the shared interests of both nations in the Indo-Pacific region, where they seek alliances.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the total value of these purchases is estimated to be around 800 billion rupees ($9.75 billion), although negotiations are still underway.

France has been a longstanding ally of India in Europe, with a history of close partnership dating back several decades. Notably, France was the sole Western nation that refrained from imposing sanctions on India after its nuclear tests in 1998.

For over forty years, India has relied on French fighter jets, having previously acquired Mirage jets in the 1980s, which continue to comprise two squadrons of the Indian Air Force. The current defense deals were prompted by the aging fleet of Russian-made planes, maintenance challenges from Moscow, and delays in India's indigenous manufacturing plans.

Later in the day, Macron will host Modi at the Elysee Palace for talks, followed by a state banquet at the Louvre Museum.

Nevertheless, human rights organizations have criticized Modi's visit, expressing concerns about the perceived authoritarian nature of his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and allegations of discrimination against minorities.

"The LDH, concerned about India's authoritarian turn, denounces this invitation which sends a disastrous signal, negating our democratic values," said the French Ligue des Droits de l'Homme (LDH) rights group on Twitter.

For France, the strategic partnership with India holds great significance as it aims to strengthen its alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly after Australia's decision to cancel a major French submarine contract and form the AUKUS alliance with Britain and the United States.

Given their shared interests in the Indian Ocean and concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the region, both India and France consider this partnership crucial.

Macron has reserved the honor of the Bastille Day military parade for only a few global leaders. Previously, he invited former U.S. President Donald Trump to the 2017 celebrations, and Trump was so impressed by the French spectacle that he requested similar festivities to honor American troops.