On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for his two-day trip to France, which will take place from July 14–16. At the Orly Airport, Prime Minister Modi will receive a formal greeting upon his arrival in Paris at roughly 4 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST). He will then meet with Gerrad Larcher, the president of the French Senate, at around 7:30 p.m. (IST).
Modi will also have a meeting with Elisabeth Borne, the prime minister of France, and will subsequently speak at a gathering of the Indian community at the iconic La Seine Musicale. Around midnight, Modi will then attend a meal hosted by Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, at the Elysee Palace.
PM Modi is the second Indian prime minister to be invited as a guest of honor to the annual Bastille Day celebrations in France. Previously, Dr. Manmohan Singh, former prime minister, was invited as the honorary guest of honor at France's national day celebrations.
Some points to know regarding PM Modi's visit to France:
- A contingent from the Indian tri-services will be participating in the Bastille Day celebration as well. The Indian Air Force will perform a fly-past.
- During this visit, it is also expected that three new Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale jets, encompassing 22 single-sweater and four double-sweater trainer versions, will be purchased for over Rs 90,000 crore in defense deals.
- The new Scorpene submarines will be a part of the Defence Ministry's Project 75, which is intended to support the Indian Navy's planned acquisition of diesel-electric submarines.
- After his trip to France, PM Modi will make a stop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for private discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
(Photos: PMO India/ AP)
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