As the guest of honor at the Bastille Day military parade on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received one of France's most prestigious honors as part of a visit that has resulted in high-profile defense agreements.
French and Indian soldiers marched down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees in Paris as India's 2015-purchased Rafale fighter aircraft performed a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe. Modi and President Emmanuel Macron observed the event.
Macron and Modi Agree on Defense Ties
Macron, who was hissed by some members of the public as he drove down the Champs-Elysees in a military vehicle, is in a precarious position as the national celebrations approach.
According to Reuters, Macron's decision to increase the retirement age prompted months of protests this spring and has negatively affected his popularity. Modi began a two-day visit to Paris on Thursday when he was awarded France's highest honor, the Legion of Honor.
The parade comes after New Delhi gave preliminary sanction to purchase an additional 26 Rafale aircraft and three Scorpene-class submarines for its navy, deepening defense ties with France at a time when both countries are seeking allies in the Indo-Pacific.
According to a source with knowledge of the details, the total value of the purchases is anticipated to be around $9.75 billion, although this is still subject to negotiation.
For decades, France has been one of India's closest allies in Europe. It was the only Western nation that did not impose sanctions on New Delhi following India's 1998 nuclear tests.
Despite the apparent camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron this week, India and France remain occasionally uneasy allies.
Per The Independent, Macron sidestepped concerns regarding threats to rights and liberties posed by the Hindu nationalist government of Modi. India has increased its imports of sanctioned Russian oil, while Modi has called for peace efforts in Ukraine to end Russia's conflict and the ensuing grain shortages.
France is increasing arms shipments to Ukraine for its counteroffensive. During a two-day visit that included a banquet at the Louvre, Indian military marching down the Champs-Elysees, and a high-octane speech by Modi to Indians from around Europe, the two countries released a slew of agreements strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The most significant development is a provisional Indian agreement to purchase 26 additional Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene French and Spanish-made submarines, in addition to an earlier agreement for 36 Rafales and six Scorpenes. Price details remain to be determined.
France's Indo-Pacific Ties
Macron is eager to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific against a more assertive China, and his office has unveiled a "roadmap" for cooperation with India in the region.
After India launched a spacecraft toward the moon's far side on Friday, Modi stated India's desire to enhance cooperation with France in space. French Guiana is home to the European Space Agency's primary launch location.
In addition, the two leaders announced new cooperative initiatives in the fields of renewable energy, hydrogen projects, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. On Thursday, a small group of activists protested Modi's visit to Paris, accusing him of undermining Indian democracy and promoting discrimination against religious minorities.
Modi, the leader of the world's largest population, has stated that "democracy flows through our veins" and that "absolutely no room" exists for discrimination. Last month, Modi was hailed by US President Joe Biden and he is now on his way to the United Arab Emirates.
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