Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way for a two-day (July 13-14) visit to Paris, where he will focus on strengthening Indo-France bilateral ties in various sectors including defence and space.#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi for Paris, France earlier this morning. He will take part in the Bastille Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour on July 14. During his visit, he will hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and other… pic.twitter.com/nXjlXDwfKv— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2023Before departing for France, PM Modi said that he will hold wide-ranging discussions with the French President on taking forward the longstanding and time-tested partnership.PM Modi on his France visitIn a statement, the prime minister said, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership. Rooted in deep trust and commitment, our two countries cooperate closely across various domains including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ties. We also work together on regional and global issues.”He added, “I look forward to meeting President Macron and holding wide-ranging discussions on taking forward this longstanding and time-tested partnership over the next 25 years.”“I also look forward to my interactions with the French leadership, including H.E. Ms Elisabeth Borne, Prime Minister of France, H.E. Mr Gerard Larcher, Presidents of the Senate, and H.E. Ms Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly,” he said.“During my visit, I will have the opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community, leading CEOs from both countries as well as prominent French personalities. I am confident that my visit will provide a new impetus to our strategic partnership,” the prime minister said in a statement.PMs schedule for his two-day visitDuring his visit, PM Modi will also be the guest of honour at the annual Bastille Day Parade where a 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the parade. According to ANI, President Macron is expected to extend a special gesture during the visit. This may include multiple meetings in the presence of the Prime Minister, such as a private dinner and a joint meeting with CEOs.Leaving for Paris, where I will take part in the Bastille Day celebrations. I look forward to productive discussions with President @EmmanuelMacron and other French dignitaries. Other programmes include interacting with the Indian community and top CEOs. https://t.co/jwT0CtRZyB— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2023Moreover, the PM is expected to sign a deal for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. Further, a repeat order for the construction of three more Scorpene (Kalveri) class submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) through the Make in India initiative is also anticipated.
