Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invite from French President Emmanuel Macron to be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on July 14, in Paris, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday.
An official press release informed that a contingent of the Indian armed forces will participate in the parade which marks “liberty, equality and fraternity”.
“Dear Narendra, I will be very happy to welcome you in Paris as the Guest of Honour at the parade of July 14,” said President Emmanuel Macron in a message inviting Mr. Modi. This is the second time that an Indian Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour for the July 14 celebrations in Paris after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh participated in the event in 2009.
The Hindu had earlier reported about the visit of PM Modi to Paris, which will be part of the prelude to the G20 summit that India will host in Delhi.
Significant gesture
Mr. Modi’s presence in Paris is being described as a gesture of special significance as India and France are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership, launched in 1998.
“France is getting ready to welcome Prime Minister Modi as the Guest of Honour for our National Day. It will be a historic moment for Indo-French ties. The message is clear; we are proud of what we have achieved together, and are ready to commit a long-term association with India,” Ambassador of France Emmanuel Lenain said.
India and France are committed to build on the past 25 years through common commitments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, a statement from the Embassy of France said.
The celebrations of July 14 in Paris mark the storming of the Bastille, which was the symbol of royal authority in France. There is no established tradition of inviting Heads of State or government, and such invites are extended on special occasions.
