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Prime Minister Modi visit to France

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Why in news, why india-france ties are strong, news summary: prime minister modi’s visit to france, key outcomes.

• The revolution symbolises the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’.
• It is also the anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the French people.
• This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India – France Strategic Partnership . 
• Against this backdrop, the current visit provides an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future.

• The two countries commenced their strategic partnership, India’s first, immediately after India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
• This was at a time when most Western capitals had turned their backs on New Delhi.
• The signing of an agreement for the supply of 36 Rafale aircraft in September 2016, and an industrial agreement in March 2018 to build six European pressurized water reactors (EPR) at the Jaitapur site are directly linked to this partnership.
• While defence deals with the US are dogged by unpredictability due to Congressional interventions and export control regimes, the French deals come with no strings attached.
• the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M (the marine version) fighters for the Indian Navy, and 
• co-production of three more Scorpene class submarines at the public sector Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
• In October 2022, they signed a Road Map on Green Hydrogen, which aims to bring the French and Indian hydrogen ecosystems together.
• Earlier in February 2022, they signed a Road Map on the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance .
• Both India and France value their strategic autonomy, pursue independence in their foreign policies, and seek a multipolar world.
• Both acknowledge the place and importance of the US in the world order.
• Modi and Macron enjoy great personal rapport. India did not let last week’s rioting and violence in Paris come in the way of the Indian PM’s visit. 
• The two countries have had a tradition of not commenting on each other’s internal issues . 
• Macron did not bring up the Manipur, issue or India’s perceived backsliding on human rights and religious freedoms.
• Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor is the reward for outstanding merit acquired in the service of the nation in a civilian or military capacity.
• The joint statement – “ 25th Anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between France and India: towards a Century of Indo-French Relations ” – sets the course for the France-India bilateral relationship in all areas till 2047.
• 100 years of India’s Independence, 
• 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and 
• 50 years of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
• The roadmap for bilateral relations has three pillars : partnership for security and sovereignty; partnership for the planet; partnership for the people .

Image caption: Different Pillars under 25-year vision roadmap

• In 2018, India and France agreed on a ‘ Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ .
• This will enable joint financing of sustainable development projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India and France will work to set up the Indo-French Health Campus for the Indo-Pacific.
• 80% of plastic waste originate from land sources. 
• 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, among which 7 billion tons of waste have been generated. 
• Each year, 400 million tons of plastic are produced, of which one-third are produced for single use products and around 10 million tons are dumped into the ocean.
• In this context, joint commitment aims to eliminate single use plastic products pollution, including ban on single use plastic products which have low utility and high littering potential by France and India.
• It would mean 100 million Euros for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) and 50 million USD for climate projects and women’s empowerment in micro-finance.

Q1) What is Single Use Plastic?

Single-use plastic refers to plastic items that are designed to be used only once before being discarded. These are products that are intended to be used for a short period and then thrown away. Single-use plastics are often used for packaging and convenience purposes due to their low cost, durability, and versatility. Examples of single-use plastic items include plastic bags, food and beverage containers, straws, cutlery, coffee stirrers, plastic bottles, and packaging materials like blister packs and shrink wrap. These items are typically made from materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Q2) What are Scorpene class submarines?

The Scorpene class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines designed and developed by the French shipbuilding company Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS) in collaboration with the Spanish company Navantia. The Scorpene class submarines are known for their stealth capabilities, advanced technology, and versatility.

Source:  Series of pacts sealed as Modi & Macron hold talks in Paris, outline ‘bold, ambitious goals’  |  Ministry of External Affairs  |  MEA

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Prime Minister’s visit to France and UAE (July 13-15, 2023)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an Official Visit to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13-15 July 2023.

Prime Minister will visit Paris from 13-14 July 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France. Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade on 14 July 2023, where a tri-services Indian armed forces contingent would be participating.

Prime Minister will hold formal talks with President Macron. President Macron will host a State Banquet as well as a private dinner in honour of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of France as well as the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly of France. He will separately interact with the Indian diaspora in France, CEOs of Indian and French companies, and prominent French personalities.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India – France Strategic Partnership, and Prime Minister’s visit will provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation.

Prime Minister will, thereafter, visit Abu Dhabi on July 15. Prime Minister will hold talks with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been steadily strengthening and Prime Minister’s visit will be an opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture. It will also be an opportunity to discuss cooperation on global issues, particularly in the context of UAE’s Presidency of COP-28 of the UNFCCC and India’s G-20 Presidency in which UAE is a Special Invitee.

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India–France Joint Statement during the Visit of Prime Minister to France

President of the French Republic H. E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron hosted Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on a brief working visit to Paris on 4 May 2022.

2. India and France have been strategic partners since 1998. The strategic partnership is anchored on the solid bedrock of deep and consistent mutual trust, abiding faith in strategic autonomy, unwavering commitment to international law; and belief in a multipolar world shaped by reformed and effective multilateralism. Both are committed to the shared values of democracy, fundamental freedoms, rule of law and respect for human rights.

3. In a post-pandemic word, facing global geopolitical challenges, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to prepare for the future together by further deepening their cooperation, expanding it in new domains to meet emerging challenges and broadening their international partnership.

The Indo-Pacific Region

4. India and France have built one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They share a vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on commitment international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions and conflicts.

5. Indo-France Indo-Pacific partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability. Besides bilateral cooperation, India and France will continue to develop new partnerships in various formats with like-minded countries in the region and within regional organisations. The first Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Paris in February 2022 during the French presidency of the Council of the EU launched an ambitious agenda at the EU level based on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

6. India and France reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India-EU Strategic Partnership and look forward to closely work together in the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and the decisions made at the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in Porto in May 2021. They welcomed the recent launch of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council that will foster high level coordination on strategic aspects of trade, technology and security as well as the restart of negotiations on India-EU Agreements on Trade, Investment and Geographical Indicators.

7. France reiterates its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces.

8. India and France expressed serious concern at the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to bring parties together to promote dialogue and diplomacy to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people. Both countries underlined the need to respect UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue.

9. India and France express deep concern about the current aggravation of global food security and nutrition, already impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially in developing countries They are committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict in Ukraine, including through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), which aims at ensuring well-functioning markets, solidarity and long-term resilience.

10. On Afghanistan, India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. They called for an inclusive and representative government, and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities. They also reaffirmed the UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) and emphasized on zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world, and agreed to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council.

Strategic cooperation

11. Both sides welcomed the ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains. Joint exercises (Shakti, Varuna, Pegase, Desert Knight, Garuda) illustrate efforts towards better integration and interoperability wherever possible. Meanwhile, maritime cooperation between India and France has reached new levels of trust and will continue through exercises, exchanges and joint endeavours throughout the Indian Ocean.

12. India and France underscored that the long-standing armament cooperation is testimony to the mutual trust between the two sides. The six Scorpene submarines built at MDL in Mumbai illustrates the level of transfer of technology from France to India, in line with the “Make in India” initiative. As seen in the timely delivery of the Rafale despite the pandemic, the two sides enjoy synergy in the field of defence. Taking forward this momentum, and based on their mutual trust, both sides agreed to find creative ways for France’s deeper involvement in the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) efforts in advanced defence technology, manufacturing and exports, including through encouraging increased industry to industry partnerships.

13. Building on a great tradition of over 60 years of technical and scientific space cooperation, and in order to address the contemporary challenges that have arisen in space, in particular maintaining a secure access to space for all, India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue on space issues. It will bring together experts from space and defence agencies, administration and specialised ecosystem to discuss security and economic challenges in outer space, the norms and principles applicable to space as well as unveil new areas of cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the first dialogue this year at the earliest.

14. In an increasingly digitalised world, India and France have strengthened cooperation between their cyber security agencies. Based on convergent outlook, they agree to join forces in promoting cyber norms and principles in order to counter cyber threats and agree to upgrade their bilateral cyber dialogue with a view to contributing to a peaceful, secure and open cyberspace.

15. The two sides have launched a number of initiatives to connect their Start-up ecosystems and welcome recent public-private engagement to work together, based on their respective successes, on building standards and protocols for free, inclusive, innovative and open public digital infrastructure and solutions to transform the lives of the people and for the larger global good. India will be the first Country of the Year at this year’s edition of Vivatech, Europe’s largest digital fair, in Paris.

16. Building upon the implementation of the Indo-French roadmap on cyber security and digital technology, India and France reiterate their willingness to deepen their cooperation on exascale technology, based upon the fruitful collaboration between C-DAC and ATOS, which includes making supercomputers in India. The two sides also agree to work together for more secure and sovereign 5G/6G telecom systems.

17. Both sides reaffirmed the commitment to the success of the strategic Jaitapur EPR project for access to reliable, affordable and low carbon energy, and welcome the progress achieved over the last months. They will increase the contacts in the coming months to achieve new progress.

18. Counter-terrorism cooperation is a corner stone of the Indo-French strategic partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They strongly condemned all forms of terrorism including use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. They reiterated their resolve to closely work together in the common fight against global terrorism including through combating the financing of terrorism, countering radicalization and violent extremism, preventing misuse of the internet for terrorist or violent extremist purpose, acting against internationally designated entities and individuals. Both sides expressed their willingness to coordinate actively in the run up to the third edition of the “No Money for Terror” international Conference to be hosted by India in 2022.

Climate, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development

19. Seven years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the joint launch of the International Solar Alliance, India and France’s commitment to tackle climate change is stronger than ever, both on mitigation and adaptation. As renewable energy development is one of the key solutions for this transition, India and France reiterate their continued support to the objectives of the International Solar Alliance. India and France also agreed to explore opportunities to jointly work on just energy transition pathways including under G7 to accelerate the deployment of renewables and access to affordable and sustainable energy. Going a step forward in this commitment to clean energy, India invited France to participate in its initiative to make India a Green Hydrogen Hub under its National Hydrogen Mission. Both sides are eager to foster cooperation on decarbonized hydrogen, including on aspects related to regulation, certification and standardization of such hydrogen in order to build robust industrial partnerships and agreed to soon finalise a roadmap to take forward this cooperation. Both sides will work together to set up industrial partnerships to reinforce their own solar energy production capacities in order to supply Asian and European markets, with an integrated supply chain.

20. India and France welcomed the efforts made by AFD and India Exim Bank to step up their support to sustainable finance in the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to intensify their cooperation in this area. The “Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership” adopted in February this year, displays both sides’ common ambition to promote a sustainable approach in the Indo-Pacific region through the development of protected areas and natural parks.

21. India and France’s common ambition to fight against plastic pollution has been key to UNEA’s recent progress and decision to launch negotiations on a legally-binding international agreement on plastic pollution addressing the full life-cycle of plastics. India and France will continue to jointly promote the adoption of a strong and ambitious legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, while respecting the principle of national circumstances and capability in taking actions to address plastic pollution. Both sides also called for immediate collective voluntary actions by countries to tackle plastic pollution on an urgent and continual basis.

22. India and France welcomed France’s commitment to India’s sustainable urban development, biodiversity, energy transition and other climate related projects through the AFD group and other agencies.

23. India and France expressed satisfaction at the adoption of the bilateral roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance and committed to accelerating its implementation.

24. India and France will jointly support progress of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument under the UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), a key step to ensure protection of the high seas.

25. Both sides agreed to maintain a strong coordination in the framework of the G20. France reiterated its steadfast support for India’s bid for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council as well as membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

26. India and France are fully committed to pursuing the implementation of the Partnership Agreement on Migration and Mobility, which entered into force on 1 October 2021.

27. Both sides will continue to work jointly to increase the mobility of students, graduates, professionals and skilled workers while strengthening their efforts to combat irregular migration. Recognizing the benefit of bilateral student mobility, France maintains the objective of 20000 Indian students by 2025 which will create opportunities for new businesses, start-ups and innovation between the two countries.

28. The mutual interest in arts and culture has significantly grown, and artists from our two countries are more and more eager to collaborate around projects such as festivals and residences. The 75th anniversary of the independence of India is being celebrated since March 2022 through the Bonjour India festival, with a series of events throughout India. For its part, India is organising the Namaste France festival. India was the Guest of Honour at the Paris Book Festival 2022 and France will be the Guest of Honour at the next New Delhi World Book Fair.

29. Following the letter of intent on museum and heritage cooperation signed on 28 January 2020, India and France will explore the possibilities and mechanism for France to be a “knowledge partner” in the creation of a new National Museum in Delhi.

30. Prime Minister Modi invited President Macron to visit India at his earliest convenience to hold detailed discussions on the areas of cooperation outlined during the visit and to finalise the modalities of realising the goals thus identified.

Je suis ravi, comme toujours, de voir mon ami @EmmanuelMacron . Nous avons longuement discuté de questions bilatérales et internationales. L'Inde et la France sont de fiers partenaires de développement, avec un partenariat concernant des secteurs variés. pic.twitter.com/3Yx4E5iGAL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2022

Delighted, as always, to meet my friend President @EmmanuelMacron . We talked at length about bilateral as well as global issues. India and France are proud developmental partners with our partnership spread across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/5Kjqcjf0tQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2022

Ma visite en France a été brève mais fructueuse. Le Président @EmmanuelMacron et moi-même avons pu discuter de sujets variés. Je le remercie, ainsi que le Gouvernement français, pour leur hospitalité. pic.twitter.com/Q4B7sCqok3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2022

My visit to France was brief but a very fruitful one. President @EmmanuelMacron and I got the opportunity to discuss various subjects. I thank him and the French Government for the warm hospitality. pic.twitter.com/pJCCvpvjao — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2022

PM @narendramodi and President @EmmanuelMacron meet in Paris. This meeting will add momentum to the friendship. pic.twitter.com/bblaQf96F8 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 4, 2022

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PM Modi to visit France and UAE from July 13-15

Modi will visit france at the invitation of president emmanuel macron from july 13-14, and will be the guest of honour at the bastille day parade on july 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from July 13-15 to take forward cooperation with both countries in areas ranging from defence and security to energy.

Modi is visiting France at the invitation of Macron during July 13-14. Being the chief guest at the military parade is considered a signal honour, and the last foreign leader to be invited by France was former US president Donald Trump in 2017. A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the parade and three French-origin Rafale combat jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will join a flypast.

Macron and Modi will hold formal talks, and the French president will host a state banquet and a private dinner for the prime minister, the external affairs ministry said.

Modi is also scheduled to meet his French counterpart Élisabeth Borne and the presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora in France, CEOs of Indian and French companies, and prominent French personalities.

People familiar with the matter said several agreements to enhance defence cooperation between India and France are expected to be finalised during the visit, including those for acquiring 26 naval variants of the Rafale combat jet or the Rafale-Marine and three Scorpene-class submarines, and another for joint development of an engine for fighter jets with French aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran.

A roadmap for defence-industrial cooperation is also likely to be finalised during the visit, the people said.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale combat jets. The deal for acquiring these aircraft was finalised during Modi’s visit to France in 2015. The new Rafale M jets are expected to serve on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.

The last of six Scorpene-class submarine ordered earlier for the Indian Navy is expected to be commissioned next year, with the vessel currently undergoing trials. There is expected to be a follow-on order for three more Scorpene submarines that will be fitted with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to allow them to remain submerged for longer.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, and the external affairs ministry said Modi’s visit will “provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation”.

From France, Modi will travel to Abu Dhabi in the UAE on July 15, and hold talks with President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership has been “steadily strengthening” and Modi’s visit will be an “opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture”, the ministry said.

The visit will also be an opportunity to discuss cooperation on global issues, particularly in the context of the UAE’s presidency of COP28 and India’s G20 presidency, in which the UAE is a guest country.

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• PM Modi visit to France and UAE from July 13-15, check schedule & details

PM Modi visit to France and UAE from July 13-15, check schedule & details

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SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA’S VISIT TO FRANCE

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• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris.

Significance of the Visit

• The highlight of the visit will revolve around the remarkable participation of Indian soldiers in the Bastille Day Parade , which is one of Europe's grandest military parades.
• This notable event serves to reinforce the significance of defence cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship , with an additional focus on forthcoming announcements of defence deals concerning engines, submarines and fighter jets.
• PM Modi’s visit to France is being interpreted as a step towards closer military cooperation between the two countries, as India is gearing up to acquire 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets that will fit into India’s maritime military plans.
• These are specially designed for use on aircraft carriers, a type of ship of which India currently has two in service.
• Also, the visit coincides with 25 years of the oldest among India’s almost 30 strategic partnerships around the world — and one of the few that has been marked by “total convergence” ever since the two nations committed themselves to it in 1998.

READ ALL ABOUT INDIA-FRANCE RELATIONS:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-france-relations

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-france-bilateral-relations

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-france

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-france-defence-dialogue

BASTILLE DAY

https://iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/bastille-day

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-narendra-modi-paris-visit-live-updates-france-emmanuel-macron-bastille-day-latest-news-8832267/

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France’s Macron tours historic sites with India’s Modi and will be the chief guest for Republic Day

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with his arm outstretched, ride an open vehicle together during a road show in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

Folk dancers from Sahariya tribe pose for a photograph before a road show by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greet people lining the streets as they ride an open vehicle together during a road show in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

People wave the Indian national flags as they watch French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unseen, during a road show in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

Folk dancers perform for the crowd before a road show by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ride an open vehicle together during a road show in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/ Deepak Sharma)

Rajasthani folk artists stand near the city landmark Hawa Mahal Palace, as they await the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

This photograph shared by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter shows, Indian Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar, right, welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron, left upon his arrival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. (Indian Foreign Ministry twitter handle via AP)

An Indian family gets themselves photographed infant of a billboard showing French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi erected ahead of Macron’s arrival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

A billboard showing French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi erected near the city landmark Hawa Mahal Palace, ahead of Macron’s arrival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

Indian folk artists stand next to a poster showing French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi erected ahead of Macron’s arrival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Thursday, Jan.25, 2024. Macron will be the chief guest at India’s annual republic day parade in New Delhi on Friday. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

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NEW DELHI (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron toured historic sites in western India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and was set to be the chief guest at the country’s national day celebrations.

Modi greeted Macron at an 18th-century observatory in Jaipur and the two stood in an open jeep as they were driven for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). Macron waved at the crowds lining the streets that welcomed the leaders with a showering of rose and marigold petals.

Large cutouts of their images with the inscription “India-France Friendship” dotted the route. Macron also visited a 17th-century fort in the city that is a popular tourist destination.

“His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration,” Modi said on the X social media platform.

Macron and Modi later held a meeting at a hotel in Jaipur before flying to New Delhi. There was no immediate official statement about the outcome of the meeting, but they were expected to discuss issues like economic, defense, space and cyber security, as well as France’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.

France is looking to strengthen cooperation with India, despite frictions over the two countries’ attitudes toward Russia’s war on Ukraine.

“Macron is committed to the pursuit of a closer dialogue with India, a key player on the international scene from a demographic point of view, as well as economic, scientific and diplomatic,” his office said in a statement on Wednesday.

France has reiterated its commitment to a defense relationship with India, including sharing technology. The two countries are working on co-development and co-production defense projects, the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.

The two leaders were expected to continue discussions on India’s plans to purchase 26 French Rafale fighter aircraft for its navy, approved by India’s Defense Acquisition Council last year. The council also approved a plan to purchase three Scorpene submarines, jointly developed by France and Spain.

France already has delivered 36 Rafale fighter aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.

Three ministers are traveling with Macron: Sébastien Lecornu, minister of the armed forces; Stéphane Sejourne, minister for Europe and foreign affairs; and Rachida Dati, the culture minister.

On Friday, Macron will be the guest of honor at India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi celebrating the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s constitution in 1950, nearly three years after India won independence from British colonial rule.

Modi was a guest of honor at a Bastille Day parade in Paris in July last year, where Macron called India a key player “in our future.”

Macron visited India in November for the Group of 20 summit of industrialized and developing nations.

Indian exports to France totaled $3.06 billion and imports from France $2.36 billion in the past year, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry.

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PM Modi's France visit to be 'quite an event': French Envoy Emmanuel Lenain | Exclusive

French ambassador emmanuel lenain told india today that prime minister narendra modi's upcoming visit to france is expected to strengthen defense cooperation, trade ties and bilateral relations. in france, pm modi will be the guest of honour at the bastille day parade..

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In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Foreign Affairs Editor, Geeta Mohan, the French envoy to India, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain set the tone and tenor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to France.

Prime Minister Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade (France's National Day) celebrations on July 14. This is a rare honour, as France does not invite foreign dignitaries as chief guests every year.

Terming it a visit with “maximum impact and maximum outcomes”, Ambassador Lenain highlighted what this visit would mean for both nations. ALSO READ PM Narendra Modi hails India's SAFF Championship triumph

The French Ambassador emphasised the leaps in defence cooperation, which would be visible at the special military parade.

"We're going to have Indian troops marching on the Champs-‰lysées at the beginning of Bastille Day, and we have Indian Rafale participating in the fly past," he said.

While the visit is anticipated to lead to large defence contracts, cooperation in trade, chart out a new course for bilateral ties; the French have made a strong bid for the naval version of the Rafale fighter jets after the induction of 36 air force variants in 2022.

"We've been cooperating with India on aircraft fighters since the 1950s. We provide the best technology to India as a close partner and ally. We also provide maximum content of 'Make in India', so we have made a good offer. The decision is now really in the hands of Indian authorities," said Ambassador Lenain.

According to reports, India is close to approving the purchase of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets that will operate from the flight deck of India’s newest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

He also reaffirmed France's support for India's UNSC membership bid and cooperation in fighting terror. ALSO READ PM Modi's 4-state tour over projects worth Rs 50,000 crore

On the 'Make in India' front, he said that France is going beyond just manufacturing to “co-development”.

AMBASSADOR EMMANUEL LENAIN's CONVERSATION WITH INDIA TODAY

What are the key takeaways that we can expect from Prime Minister Modi's visit to Paris, this time around?

"To begin with, it's a really symbolic visit. We wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. We thought that would be the best symbol. We're going to have Indian troops marching on the Champs-‰lysées at the beginning of Bastille Day, and we have Indian Rafale participating in the fly past."

Will the Indian forces represent themselves from all three wings of the Indian forces?

"Of course."

In terms of takeaways and agreements, what is going to be the focus, this time around?

"It's very wide. The topics of discussion are multifold. There would be definitely new outcomes in terms of strategic, defence and space. We are making progress around nuclear as well. This is, thus, the core of the two countries’ strategic autonomy."

"As I like to call it, stands to be an important aspect of the visit. We're going to be working together on things like energy efficiency, energy transition. We are betting together on the energy of the future. Expect some announcements on hydrogen. We have a roadmap on hydrogen. We will move forward on that. We want to work on R&D, certification, industrial partnerships; and you will see more of that during this visit."

"Also, a lot of people-to-people exchanges can be expected. Our partnership is about people, after all. In the long run, that’s what matters. We expect it to be easier for our Indian friends to come to France and work, study in our country. So, there could be announcements on that front as well." ALSO READ Modi surname case: No coercive action against Rahul Gandhi, rules Jharkhand High Court

Is PM Modi also expected to visit the French President, several political leaders and hold bilateral, informal meetings?

"Of course! Everybody in Paris is excited to have him. He is going to have quite a lot of interactions. There will be discussions with political leaders. He has very good personal chemistry, so there will be one-on-one and larger meetings. We will be able to have exchanges on all sorts of issues, potential partnerships etc."

"We recognise the role of India in international affairs. We want to see more of India. We want to see India in the space of global governance more forcefully. We definitely support and want to see India on the UN Security Council. We praise India for its presidency of the G20 as well, so there's a lot to discuss together."

"PM Modi will also meet senior French politicians and the Indian Diaspora. It is going to be quite an event."

Are riots and protests in France concerning in terms of security?

"Not at all. There are events in France. Now the situation is getting back to normal. There was a shocking incident and just to shed some light on this... the violence is subsiding and it has nothing to do with the visit. We'd be happy to greet Prime Minister Modi, and it will be done with all the panache that we can provide."

After the Air Force, will France win the bid for the naval version of the fighter jets too?

"We would like that. We've been cooperating with India on aircraft fighters since the 1950s. We provide the best technology to India as a close partner and ally. We also provide maximum content of ‘Make in India’ so we have made a good offer. The decision now is really in the hands of the Indian authorities."

Do you see cooperation between the two countries on terrorism?

"We are already doing a lot. Our two countries are committed to fighting the scourge of terrorism. We're doing much to contribute to this cause. We are resolute democracies and we want to fight it with our own instruments. We are carrying forth training and raising awareness on this subject. We're sharing information, training together against this. Your ‘Black Cats’ or NSG boys are training with our sister institution in France."

"We also do a lot in the UN Security Council. We support new names being put on the sanctions committee list. More recently, we've been trying to go to the roots of terrorism and how it's being financed. We were very satisfied to see India hosting the third conference on ‘No Money For Terror’, a process that we launched years ago to fight against the financing of terrorism. India is in the driver’s seat in terms of taking a stand against terrorism and proposing a permanent structure which is a welcome initiative."

The Russia-Ukraine war definitely concerns everybody. Many say it is a European war but one that has a wide-ranging and long-lasting impact.

"It's not just a European war. When the principles of international law and the UN charter are at stake, it becomes a global concern." ALSO READ Eye on 2047, not 2024: PM Modi at Union Council of Ministers’ meeting

Is it something that will be a part of the discussions?

"Yes, each time our leaders meet, they exchange analyses and notes and discuss a definitive way forward with regard to these issues. We know India’s complaints. We respect India's strategic autonomy. We feel exactly the same. All countries should make decisions according to their interests, priorities and principles. We don’t want any interference or pressure from other countries. That is the core of the strategic partnership."

"We discuss a lot and try to find solutions, also to get more room for decision and be more independent in decision making. That is the spirit of our partnership."

What about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific? France will never be a part of the QUAD, quite understandably, because you have stakes in the Indo-Pacific.

"Not really. We are quite pragmatic about that. We believe that challenges in the Indo-Pacific are so important that there will never be enough energy about involvement by like-minded countries who want to support freedom of navigation, the rule of law, the laws of the seas. Everybody should join efforts towards the same cause to be able to progress. Quad is very welcome. We could definitely work with Quad countries on specific initiatives and we also work with India on trilateral cooperation with the UAE, Australia, maybe one day with Indonesia. We work with India on international forum in the region. We very much welcome the initiative by India about IPOI (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative) and we take the lead in one of the pillars of the initiative."

"Everything is quite complementary, there is no competition. When you are a democracy, when you want to support international law, you just have to team up with like-minded countries."

What is the thrust of your national security advisor's visit to Delhi? How much of the focus is going to be on 'Make in India'?

"Yes, ‘Make in India’ is a priority. All our industries have been working on it for years. We have been pioneering 'Make in India' because we understand that India has to build its own defence industry. We respect that. It is part of our DNA. It goes even further. Right now, we've been discussing co-development. New-generation equipment, we feel that, given India's strengths, should definitely collaborate and work together to develop the next generation. In that spirit, some companies are offering to share technology on engines for multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA), next-generation aircraft. Make in India, yes. Even more, co-development to boost India’s autonomy."

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Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations

July 14, 2023

India and France are long-standing strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1947, and the upgrading of the partnership to the strategic level in 1998, our two countries have consistently acted together, building on a high level of mutual trust, shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and common values rooted in international law. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, both countries agree to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047, which will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, the centenary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and 50 years of the strategic partnership. India and France intend to work together in the interest of international peace and stability and reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. They agree to work within the framework of a partnership between equals, in consonance with their respective sovereign and strategic interests, as they have done since 1998. In order to further deepen this Strategic Partnership, and in keeping with universal values of liberty, equality, democracy and the rule of law, India and France have decided to strengthen cooperation in the sectors of the future, so as to reinforce their sovereignty and decision-making autonomy, and to respond together to the major challenges confronting our planet, including through the cooperation between India and the European Union. I - Partnership for security and sovereignty 1) Building sovereign defence capabilities together 1.1 France is one of India’s key partners in the development of a self-reliant defence industrial and technological base. India and France are committed to cooperating in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries. 1.2 In line with their outstanding cooperation in military aviation spanning over five decades, India and France welcome the timely delivery of the 36 Rafale ordered by India. In the future, India and France will extend their ground-breaking defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine. They also support industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter [IMRH] programme with Safran Helicopter Engine, France. To enable progress on the IMRH programme, a Shareholders’ Agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India and Safran Helicopter Engine, France has been concluded for engine development. These ventures are in line with the spirit of trust that prevails between India and France in the sharing and joint development of critical components and technology building blocks, based on the successful Indo-French experience in technology transfer. 1.3 India and France hail the success of the first Scorpene submarine construction programme (P75 – Kalvari), a model of Make in India and the sharing of naval expertise between companies in the two countries. India and France are ready to explore more ambitious projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance. 1.4 Other examples of this defence industrial partnership rooted in mutual trust include the contract being concluded between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for the Transfer of Technology of Forging and Castings for the Shakti Engine. This is also reflective of the French commitment to support technology transfer and Make in India. 1.5 Another such example is the MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), and Naval Group France, a leader in European Naval Defence Industry to collaborate in the field of surface ship that caters to fulfil the requirement of India and International Naval forces. 1.6. To this end, both countries are also working towards adopting a Roadmap on Defence Industrial Cooperation. 1.7 In view of the uptick in defence industrial collaborations between the two countries, India is setting up a Technical Office of the DRDO at its Embassy in Paris. 2) Providing concrete solutions to make Indo-Pacific an area of stability and sustainable development 2.1 India and France are two Indo-Pacific nations that share a common vision on this crucial region. India and France are determined to strengthen the cooperation initiated under the Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region adopted in 2018 and have therefore adopted a new Indo-Pacific Roadmap. They are committed to work together to secure their own economic and security interests; ensure equal and free access to global commons; build partnerships of prosperity and sustainability in the region thanks to common development action; advance the rule of international law; work with others in the region and beyond and build a balanced and stable order in the region, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have decided to give utmost attention and extend their cooperation to the Pacific, with the close involvement of the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The French overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, will play an important role in the Indo-Pacific partnership between the two countries. 2.2 Trilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the region will be a key pillar of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region in particular through the dialogue launched with the United Arab Emirates, a strategic partner for both countries, on February 4th, 2023 at ministerial level, as well as with Australia, launched in September 2020. Through a unique model of Triangular Development Cooperation, India and France will work on setting up the Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation (IPTDC) Fund aimed at supporting climate and SDG focused innovations and Start-ups from third countries of the Indo-Pacific, with the goal of facilitating the scaling up of green technologies being developed in the region. Both countries will jointly identify the projects to be supported through the IPTDC Fund. This initiative would be a significant step ahead in providing viable and transparent funding alternatives to innovators in the Indo-Pacific region and would also be a key pillar of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership launched in 2021. · 3) Putting space at the heart of our strategic relationship · 3.1 Access to space, space technologies and the development of services and applications using space data and capabilities are at the heart of our societies' innovation, scientific development and economic growth. India and France have decided to deepen their cooperation in all areas of the space sector by strengthening their programmes of common interests including: · 3.2.1 Scientific and commercial partnership: CNES and ISRO will strengthen their partnership mainly around two structuring axes: climate and environment, with the development of the TRISHNA mission and activities within the Space Climate Observatory (SCO) on topics such as water resource management, marine resources and air quality monitoring; space exploration (Mars, Venus), maritime monitoring, launchers and manned flights in connection with India’s Gaganyaan programme. NSIL and Arianespace also plan to collaborate in commercial launch services. · 3.2.2 Resilience of access to space: India and France will work to strengthen their synergies in terms of sovereign access to space and the development of forward-looking technologies to boost the resilience of access to space with involvement of their space industries. · 3.2.3 India and France will also continue to engage through the recently institutionalised bilateral strategic space dialogue. 4) Adapting the fight against terrorism to the new threats to better protect our citizens 4.1 India and France have always stood together with each other in the fight against terrorism. They will strengthen cooperation on all aspects in order to stay ahead of the evolving threat. This would include operational cooperation, multilateral action, countering online radicalisation and combating financing of terrorism, particularly through the No Money for Terror (NMFT) initiative and the Christchurch Call to Action to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremism Content Online. 4.2 India and France are deepening their cooperation on internal security and the fight against transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, financial crime and environmental crime. They welcome the work towards the formalisation of cooperation between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN) of France through the Letter of Intent between India and France for Cooperation in the field of Counterterrorism. 4.3 An important area of cooperation on internal security is the effective use of technology by internal security agencies of both countries. 5) Promoting a renewed and effective multilateralism 5.1 India and France reject attempts to undermine the fundamental principles of the international order and in particular the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and are committed to reforming global governance to reflect contemporary new realities. 5.2 India and France promote the reform of the Security Council to enlarge membership in its two categories. They support the credentials of the G4 and therefore those of India, to join the Security Council as new permanent members and support better representation from Africa including among the permanent members, and to pursue conversations on the regulation of the use of veto in case of mass atrocities. 5.3 India and France support the Paris agenda identified after the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in order to take strong measures in favour of development and the environment. 6) Joining forces to make science, technological innovation and academic cooperation vectors of progress and independence for our countries 6.1 India and France are the central Start up and innovation ecosystems in their respective regions. Recognising the central role of technology in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, India and France agree to further deepen their cooperation to promote research partnerships and technologies, which are essential to ensure our countries’ self-reliance: · 6.1.1 Scientific cooperation: India and France recognize the importance of reinforcing their strategic partnership in the scientific field by creating an India-France Joint Strategic Committee, which will issue calls for projects involving the French National Research Agency (ANR) on common priority themes as decided from time to time, (space, digital, critical technologies, energy, ecological and urban transition, health, for example), as well as by significant strengthening of their scientific and technological cooperation tools, in particular the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), and the resources they devote to it in consultation with each other. · 6.1.2 Critical technologies: Based on the Indo-French Road map on Cyber security and Digital Technology adopted in 2019, India and France are pursuing an ambitious bilateral cooperation on advanced digital technologies, particularly in the fields of supercomputing, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies, including in the framework of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPIA). They will also strengthen their cooperation on R&D, innovation and the industrial applications of critical digital technologies while also focusing on the deployment of these technologies to address issues related to climate change and health. · 6.1.3 Health Cooperation: India and France agree to intensify their cooperation in the field of health and medicine. As a first step, they have signed a Letter of Intent for Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine which provides the basis for cooperation in new areas including Digital Health, AI for Healthcare, Medical Waste Treatment Technology, Biotechnology, One Health approach for fight against antimicrobial resistance, exchange and training of medical doctors, among others. India and France will also collaborate on Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and Response. Both countries will also strengthen their cooperation in pharmaceutical sector, human resources and skilling besides Digital Health technologies. · 6.1.4 Indo-French Campus for Health: India and France welcome the progress on the Indo-French Campus on Health for the Indo-Pacific in 2022, open to countries of the region, in an innovative form mobilising several universities in mainland France and La Reunion Island to partner with Indian institutions. This ambitious project that puts youth, research and formation at the core of our Indo-Pacific strategy has to become a vehicle for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of health and a pole of attraction for universities and research at the regional level. Under the programme, four projects are being supported in creating dual Master’s degree programmes in the field of Health, of which the Sorbonne University-IIT Delhi programme already has collaborative research projects are underway notably in cancer studies, neurosciences, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering, with more to follow. · The MoU between the Institut Pasteur and the Indian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) signed in January 2022 has also seen good progress, with the two sides working towards the establishment of a Pasteur Centre in Hyderabad. · 6.1.5 Cyber Cooperation: India and France reaffirmed the growing strategic importance of cyberspace in bilateral relationship and underscored the role of bilateral cyber dialogue in deepening cyber cooperation. Both countries appreciated each other’s views on the UN cyber processes that are in progress in the First and Third Committees and committed to work closely together on the matters of mutual interest. Both countries agreed to work jointly to support the discussions of the current First Committee 2021-2025 Open-ended working group, including on the possible future establishment of a Programme of action to advance responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs. Both countries agreed to work closely with each other to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes under the aegis of UN framework to increase effective and efficient international cooperation for preventing, deterring, mitigating, investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes while ensuring speedy justice for the victims and protection of fundamental rights. India reiterated the importance of capacity building in ensuring resilience cyber infrastructure and enhancing cyber preparedness to tackle the challenges posed by emerging cyber threats in the cyberspace. Both countries agreed to exchange best practices, information, evolving national cybersecurity strategy views and developments in the cyber threat landscape. · 6.1.6 Digital regulation: India and France encourage dialogue between French actors such as CNIL, the French data protection authority and relevant Indian counterparts. At the European level, they support close discussions with the European Union on digital regulation and data privacy. They support the objectives of the partnership on information and democracy. · 6.1.7 Cooperation on Digital Technologies: India and France recognize the rapid advancement and transformation in digital technologies and agree to harness their respective strengths and philosophical convergence in their approaches to digitalization. Both the countries commit to further deepening their cooperation in areas like digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, Start up, AI, supercomputing, 5G/6G telecom and digital skills development. · In line with the Indo-French Road map on Cyber security and Digital Technology, India and France reaffirm their commitment to join forces of their cyber-security agencies and related ecosystem partners in promoting a peaceful, secure and open cyberspace. · Recognizing the far-reaching potential of Start-ups in driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth, both countries emphasize upon their shared commitment to facilitate bilateral cooperation through enhanced connectivity between their respective Start up and entrepreneurial networks. India’s participation as the First Country of the Year at Vivatech in 2022 and subsequent participation at a significant scale this year, reflect upon India’s unique role and position in the digital age and its deep value as a partner for global leadership in the digital domain. · India and France commit to nurturing a thriving ecosystem and building collaborations that empower their citizens and ensure their full participation in the digital century. In this spirit, last week, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and France’s Lyra Collect executed an agreement to implement Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France and Europe. The payment mechanism is in its last phase of production and will go live by September, 2023 with the iconic Eiffel Tower, Paris as the first merchant in France to accept UPI. · With a shared belief in the power of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach for the development of open, free, democratic and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, India and France have advanced multi-stakeholder exchanges through the InFrastructures (India France Structures) and InFinity (India France Innovation in Information Technology) platforms. We celebrate the progress that has been made through the coming together of our two digital ecosystems and recognise how these joint projects in DPI can have far reaching impact across multiple sectors. The DPI approach leverages technology, markets and governance to empower citizens, catalyse economic and social transformation, improve public service delivery and promote market competitiveness for sovereign and sustainable digital solutions, also contributing towards achieving sustainable development goals. As part of the joint DPI cooperation efforts, India and France have mutually identified potential high-impact initiatives in the areas of mobility, commerce and culture, as initial focus areas to showcase the significant benefits of interconnectedness between platforms accomplished by leveraging open protocols. Both countries welcome further such collaborations between our two countries and commit to cooperating with each other in taking this approach to other countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa and beyond. II - Partnership for the planet 1) Strengthening energy security to meet our climate objectives 1.1 India and France are cooperating closely on transition towards a low carbon economy, with the triple objective of meeting the growing demand for energy driven by India's urbanisation and industrialisation, increasing energy security and achieving the SDG7 and Paris Climate Agreement objectives. India and France recognise that increasing the share of clean sources in the energy mix is necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement long-term objectives. They commit to work jointly to this end, underlining the importance of simultaneously addressing energy security issues. India and France share the conviction that sustainable solutions in the fight against climate change include the use of nuclear energy. 1.2 Fight against climate change and for the protection of the environment in the Indo-Pacific: India and France will offer sustainable development solutions to the countries of the region through multilateral and third country initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership, International Solar Alliance and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to protect marine and terrestrial biodiversity. They welcome the dialogue between their development banks aimed at mobilizing players in the Indo-Pacific region in favour of sustainable development (SUFIP Initiative - Sustainable Finance in the Indo-Pacific). India and France will promote dialogue and cooperation on issues related to the blue economy, territorial resilience and climate finance. India and France will develop their cooperation in anticipating and responding to natural hazards and climate change related disasters by strengthening the links between their civil security organisations, and by sharing their knowledge, expertise and seed financing particularly within the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures. 1.3 Electronuclear: Both sides welcomed the progress made during discussions related to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP). They welcomed EDF’s proposal for training of civil nuclear engineers and technicians from India for deployment in projects with EPR reactors and look forward to an early conclusion of an agreement in this regard. In compliance with Skills India initiative, relevant French organizations will also work with Indian counterparts to strengthen training in nuclear field and encourage/facilitate internships for Indian students. Both countries also agreed to work on establishing a partnership on low and medium power modular reactors or Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR). Our two countries will continue their cooperation on the Jules Horowitz Research Reactor (JHR) for the development of nuclear technologies and will enhance their exchanges. 1.4 Decarbonated hydrogen: Following the adoption of the Roadmap on Green Hydrogen, India and France are developing close cooperation in innovation in decarbonated hydrogen production capacities and regulatory standards. The two countries are also promoting industrial partnerships between companies from both countries to implement operational solutions. 1.5 India and France are committed to the increased development of renewable energies. On solar energy particularly, India and France rely on their close cooperation and involvement in the International Solar Alliance to support third countries in their solar programmes, particularly through the STAR-C programme and the creation of a solar academy in Senegal. through joint research and development, 1.6 On hydropower, India and France are strengthening their cooperation and supporting business projects in both countries, particularly in the renovation of existing installations, the promotion of run-of-river solutions and pumped-storage solutions. 1.7 Energy efficiency: France supports India's efforts to develop an intelligent electricity network, reduce the energy intensity of its economy and improve the energy performance of its buildings, urban, industrial and transport facilities, building on the success of the Smart Cities programmes conducted in India. Both sides agreed to explore sharing of expertise in Energy Data collection and analysis. 2) Jointly addressing the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution 2.1 Aware of the triple challenges of climate change, environmental pollution and loss of biodiversity, India and France are committed to strengthening their cooperation. Since the consequences of climate change also represent a real threat to public health, India and France are cooperating in the area of public health in the spirit of the One Health approach, by exploring cooperation in the PREZODE initiative, participating in the negotiations of an agreement on pandemics, and bilaterally, in the areas of hospital and pharmaceutical cooperation. As part of the Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance adopted in February 2022, collaboration on the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the agreement between IFREMER and NIOT/MoES on marine research and technologies will open up new areas of cooperation. They support the launch of a dialogue on the ocean within the G20 before the UNOC in 2025. 2.2 Climate change: India and France are committed to steadily raise their climate ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible and no later than 2050 and 2070 respectively. 2.3 Sustainable buildings: India and France recognise the importance of decarbonisation and resilience of buildings in the success of climate and biodiversity policies, as well as to contribute to the well-being and safety of populations. To this end, India and France are collaborating on the definition and implementation of ambitious policies and innovative means aimed at generalising the construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing buildings with near-zero emission performances and adapted to future climates, while enhancing the diversity of architecture. In this context, India and France are promoting an approach that primarily rests on frugality and resource efficiency in construction. This approach is in line with Mission LiFE or Lifestyles for Environment adopted by India and supported by France in October 2022. 2.4 Circular economy and plastic pollution: India and France are actively involved in the on-going negotiations of a new legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution. India and France are working to involve new countries in the Indo-French commitment on the elimination of single use plastic pollution. 2.5 Biodiversity loss: India and France recognize the importance of the goals and targets, which are global in nature, of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and of their effective implementation, in accordance with the national circumstances, priorities and capabilities. India and France continue to implement the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership (I3P). India and France welcome the adoption of the Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) to address, in a coherent and cooperative manner, biological diversity loss and degradation of ecosystems of the ocean. 3) Supporting urban and ecological transitions in India as well as social inclusion 3.1 India intends to make France, through its expertise, its companies and the French Development Agency (AFD), its preferred partner in successfully achieving urban transition. 3.2 Integrated waste management: India and France are strengthening their collaboration on solutions to support cities by promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated waste management, involving the strengthening of waste collection & transportation, waste to wealth solutions; improving liquid and solid waste management by cities. The launch of the 2nd phase of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0) programme will promote innovative solutions in this area. CITIIS 2.0 also aims at promoting Climate Governance at the State level and building capacities of municipal functionaries. 3.3 Transport & Urban Mobility: India and France are deepening their dialogue on transport, by strengthening their cooperation on the railway sector and by exploring new solutions to address mobility issues, especially in urban areas like the projects set up in Ahmedabad and Surat. 3.4 Social inclusion: India and France are keen to promote a more inclusive and environmentally-friendly development and encourage initiatives that contribute to the financial inclusion of women and vulnerable populations and promote the development of priority development areas, as in the case of projects supported by Indian funds (Annapurna, Indusind Bank, Neogrowth) and backed by Proparco. 4) Strengthening trade and facilitating investments between our two countries, with a view to sustainable growth and transition to low carbon energy 4.1 The development of more resilient value chains is a common objective between India and France for which they will facilitate by creating suitable conditions and policy exchanges on the subject. 4.2 Trade: India and France are intensifying their bilateral dialogue in order to resolve as soon as possible the difficulties encountered by Indian and French exporters and investors in their respective markets, particularly in the context of the bilateral Fast Track procedure. 4.3 Cross-investment: India and France encourage Indian and French companies to strengthen their ties and develop activities in both countries, notably with the aim of increasing the presence of French investors in India and Indian investors in France. To this end, Invest India and Business France have signed an MoU for cooperation in facilitating investors from France and India in each other’s economies. III - Partnership for the people 1) Promoting exchanges, especially for the benefit of youth 1.1 The Partnership Agreement on Migration and Mobility, which came into force in 2021, is an important step in realising our shared commitment towards enhancing the mobility of students, graduates, academics, researchers, professionals and skilled workers. India and France support the deepening of people-to-people and economic ties through promotion of tourist flows and facilitation of the issuance of visas for the private sector and the business community. India and France, on a reciprocal basis, will grant visa exemption for short stays for official passport holders and assess the effectiveness of this exemption in 2026. Additionally, they will jointly work on initiatives that promote mutual recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications, in order to encourage skilled mobility between the two countries. 1.2 Both countries will encourage the development of partnerships between higher education institutions, research centres and private companies to strengthen cooperation in vocational and language training. They will revitalize efforts towards linguistic cooperation, encourage the development of the teaching of French language in Indian schools, promote exchanges and training of language teachers, and support visa facilitation for exchange programmes. Such efforts underline the importance they attach to teaching each other’s languages and the pivotal role languages play in promoting cross-border mobility. 1.3 Student mobility: India and France are committed to strengthen their academic ties and to foster exchanges of students. India and France will promote the development of joint training programmes, on the model of the Indo-French Campus on Health for the Indo-Pacific, as well as researchers’ mobility, particularly in priority areas of science and technology. In order to create a community of Indian Alumni, France will issue five-year validity Schengen visas for Indians who have studied in France for at least one semester, provided that they reached Master degree level at a university recognized by the French university system and have a fully acceptable file compliant with Schengen requirements. France reaffirms its ambition to welcome 20,000 Indian students by 2025 and raise this ambition to 30,000 in 2030. In order to facilitate the achievement of these targets, France will reinforce the promotion of studies in France and increase its staff dedicated to this promotion in India. France will also create "International Classes” in French universities and other higher education institutions, where Indian students would be trained in French language and academic topics. It would allow them to then join Bachelor programmes in French language. The French government will experiment the creation of such classes while the Indian government will promote it within the secondary education system of India. 1.4 Sustainable exchanges between our civil societies: India and France will continue to strengthen the structures and mechanisms that enable exchanges between our civil societies, particularly personalities of the future programmes including the France-India Foundation and the Alliances Françaises network in India. India and France encourage youth exchanges that can take place in both countries, such as the "International solidarity volunteering and civic service” scheme to double the number of French volunteers in India and by five the number of Indian volunteers in France by 2025. 2) Promoting regular dialogue between our cultures 2.1 Our two countries now wish to establish foundational programmes for cultural exchanges and to fully exploit the potential for bringing our creative industries closer: 2.2 Cooperation in the field of museums and heritage: As nations endowed with rich culture and history, India and France will intensify their joint work to showcase their heritage and pass it on to future generations. India and France welcome the signing of the Letter of Intent for the National Museum of India project. France will offer India the benefit of its experience of major cultural projects, particularly the Grand Louvre. The retro-fitting of a Heritage Building to provision for display, storage and exhibition of archaeological antiquities, paintings, numismatics, decorative arts, etc. is exemplified by the Grand Louvre and would be an appropriate case study for the National Museum of lndia Project. 2.4 Cinema: France, the largest film market in Europe, and India, the largest film producer in the world, are supporting the export of their productions, the facilitation of co-productions under their Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement, and the promotion of their country’s attractiveness for filming. 2.5 Artistic and literary cooperation: India and France share the objective of ensuring an increased level of mobility of professionals and artists between our two countries. They intend to go beyond the mere event logic in favour of a sustainable development logic, by giving priority to long-term stays in residencies, on the model of the Villa Swagatam, inaugurated on 3 March 2023. Villa Swagatam is a network of residencies to bring the best French talents to 16 existing residencies spread across India. In doing so, France wishes to create a community of French artists and writers who will learn from India’s rich savoir-faire and history. India and France are committed to having three hundred Villa Swagatam laureates by 2035 in both countries. India’s Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) has been helping Indian Artists participate in festivals in France and will continue this support in the interest of generating wider interest in Indian artistic traditions among the people of France. 2.6 Linguistic cooperation: India and France are committed to developing the Alliances Françaises network in India and to encouraging the development of French language teaching programmes, notably by assisting in curriculum and provision of teaching learning material as well as age-appropriate textbooks, in Indian private and government schools. They are committed to reaching a target of 50,000 students in the Alliances Françaises network in India. Further, Indian languages and ancient Indian scripts may be promoted in France in school and higher education, for which the cooperation of specialised educational and linguistic institutions from India may be taken. 2.7. France encouraged India to consider joining the Organisation internationale de la francophonie, an international organisation representing francophone countries and regions and those with strong affiliation with French culture. India welcomed the French invitation. 2.8. India and France support the values of sport and healthy life, which will be central to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games in Paris. To this end, both countries welcome the signing of the Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the field of Sports which will further help Indian athletes in their training and preparations for major sporting events in the future. 2.9. In order to enhance people-to-people ties between India and France and particularly serve consular requirements and strengthen commercial relations in the South of France, India will open its Consulate General in Marseille, France opened "Bureau de France” in Hyderabad. Through this ambitious roadmap, the India-France Strategic Partnership will further diversify into new areas of cooperation while also deepening existing programmes of shared interest. Paris July 14, 2023

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PM Modi flies to Italy for G7 Summit, 'encounter' with President Biden likely

India has been invited as an outreach country to the Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Italy on Thursday to attend the G7 Summit, his first overseas visit since he assumed office for the third time.

The G7 Summit will see leaders of the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom deliberate on topics of global interest. Besides these seven nations, India has been invited as an outreach country to the Summit.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said on Wednesday that Modi will travel to Apulia in Italy at the invitation of Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. "The G7 points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been consistently making including those of peace, security, development and environment preservation," Kwatra said.

Modi will also likely meet President Biden at the sidelines of the Summit. Biden arrived in Italy Wednesday night. According to National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan, Biden expects to see Prime Minister Modi here. "It's up to the Indians to formally confirm his attendance, but our expectation is that the two of them will have the opportunity to encounter one another. The nature of that encounter is still fluid because so much of the schedule is fluid," Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Italy to attend the G7 Summit, along with the US president.

He added that Biden spoke to Modi over the phone to congratulate him on the election outcome and on being sworn in as Prime Minister for a third term.

It is confirmed that Modi will meet Meloni but details of bilateral or meetings with other leaders are still being worked out.

Ukraine, Israel war to dominate G7

This year too, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is likely to dominate the Summit with Biden planning to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the meet. The two will sign a bilateral security agreement for Ukraine "making clear our (US) support will last long into the future."

"After the meeting, the leaders will sign a bilateral security agreement mentioning that the US support for Ukraine will last long and pledge continued cooperation, particularly in the areas of defence and security," Sullivan said.

"And by signing this, we'll also be sending Russia a signal of our resolve. If Vladimir Putin thinks that he can outlast the coalition supporting Ukraine, he's wrong. He just cannot wait us out, and this agreement will show our resolve and continued commitment," Sullivan said.

• Hunter Biden's ex-girlfriend testifies in trial the shocking moment she found a gun in his vehicle
• D-Day 80th anniversary: Joe Biden calls for solidarity with Ukraine
• Biden shifts to the right on immigration

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The Morning

Narendra modi’s india.

We explain what to expect from his third term.

By Alex Travelli

Narendra Modi has just won re-election as India’s prime minister, though by a far narrower margin than expected . With his third consecutive term, the charismatic strongman has still sealed his position as the country’s most significant leader in generations.

Despite having led India for a decade, Modi has in some ways kept his country guessing about his vision. On major issues — India’s relationships, its economy, its society and its government — it’s still unclear what sort of country Modi wants India to be.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain four of the big questions.

Where will India find friends?

India has spent recent years deepening its relationship with the United States. It has gotten closer to American allies, including Japan and Australia, and ordered high-end American weapons systems — the kind that create dependence down the road. And it is unlikely to side with China. In 2020, Chinese troops crossed into territory controlled by India and killed 20 soldiers in a skirmish. Modi has kept Beijing at arm’s length since then.

But Modi, 73, has signaled that he doesn’t want to be a U.S. ally. Some officials in his inner circle still regard the United States warily. American diplomats complain about New Delhi’s apparent efforts to erode democratic norms and the rights of minority groups. So India keeps its options open. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States tried in vain to persuade India to take a stand against the war. India still processes Russian oil (picking up the slack created by international sanctions). It still buys weapons from Russia.

India spent the Cold War trying to position itself as a nonaligned power. Old habits die hard.

What type of economy?

India recently overtook China as the most populous country and the fastest-growing large economy. Still, most of the country remains poor. Some 800 million people need help filling their stomachs. Modi’s ideas about how to help them can be contradictory — they’re both globally minded and protectionist.

One path would be to follow East Asian countries, which escaped poverty by manufacturing goods for export. To that end, Modi unfurled a “Make in India” initiative in 2014, an effort to replace China as the world’s factory. But exports have barely risen, even as Modi has thrown new subsidies at them. Some Indian economists say it’s better to focus on exporting services, like I.T. and remote professional work.

Another Modi vision is for a “self-reliant India,” which would reduce the country’s exposure to global supply chains. Shielding Indian companies from foreign competition is at odds with preparing them for it.

In the face of big economic decisions, Modi sometimes seems equivocal. Like Reagan and Thatcher, he came to power promising to pare down government. In practice, the state wields a heavy hand in most sectors — imposing radical, sometimes half-baked reforms by decree.

Protecting minority groups?

India’s founders crafted a constitution for a diverse and secular republic. Modi has been recasting the country as an explicitly Hindu nation. He converted Jammu and Kashmir, the country’s only Muslim-majority state, into a heavily policed federal territory. He built a giant Hindu temple on a disputed site where mobs had torn down a mosque. During the campaign this year, he called Muslims, who make up 14 percent of the population, “infiltrators.” India’s Muslims say they have been turned into second-class citizens .

Modi’s third term will be a test: Has the Hindu nationalist project been fulfilled, or is there more he can do to assert one faith’s supremacy? The call to put Muslims in their place is the lifeblood of Modi’s party, creating winning majorities within a hugely diverse and caste-riven Hindu population. In a third term, Modi could choose new targets, for instance by agitating for more Hindu temples to replace historic mosques. He may be constrained, however, by his new political partners, who are not beholden to his party’s Hindu-first projects.

How much authoritarianism?

One reason for Modi’s enduring popularity is that he’s effective. Modi often imposes reforms suddenly, relying on boldness and even the element of surprise to cut through red tape. He streamlined the tax system and even started a semiconductor industry from scratch. He has no patience for obstacles of any kind.

One result is that the world’s biggest democracy has set aside many democratic norms. The police have thrown leaders of the opposition in jail, swelling the number of political prisoners. The Election Commission has been stacked with pro-Modi appointees. The judiciary hardly ever stands in the way of government priorities.

Modi seems to have kept his job but lost his parliamentary majority. Now he’ll need to placate coalition partners and consult them on major changes. Maybe that will protect some of the institutions that were built to preserve fair play.

The other possibility is that Modi will crack down harder than ever, making full use of the agencies that answer directly to him, to ensure that his party stays ahead of the invigorated competition. Modi has made it this far despite all the complaints about repression. If anything is to hold him back now, it will have to come from within his new governing coalition.

Modi struggled to stay on top — and three other takeaways from the election .

In countries like India and Turkey, where some feared authoritarian leaders would consolidate power, democracy has proved resilient , Mark Landler writes.

Global investors have pivoted to India , looking for profits they can’t find in China.

THE LATEST NEWS

Israel-hamas war.

Israel has been holding blindfolded, handcuffed Gazan detainees without legal representation at a military base. See inside .

Israel began an offensive in central Gaza , and an Israeli airstrike on a school there killed dozens of people . Israel said it was targeting Hamas; Palestinians said the strike killed displaced civilians.

The C.I.A. director met with Qatari and Egyptian officials in an attempt to broker a cease-fire. Qatari officials also met with Hamas leaders, who have yet to formally respond to Israel’s latest proposal. (Here are the hurdles to a deal .)

Benjamin Netanyahu threatened additional military action against Hezbollah , two days after it launched rockets and drones into northern Israel from Lebanon.

Police officers arrested 13 pro-Palestinian protesters who had barricaded themselves in the office of Stanford University’s president.

D-Day Anniversary

Today is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the pivotal World War II battle on beaches in Normandy. Few veterans of the battle are alive .

War has returned to Europe. President Biden will visit Normandy and link the fight for Ukraine with the Allied effort on D-Day.

2024 Election

After Donald Trump’s conviction, The Times contacted participants in past Times/Siena College polls and found a slight shift toward Biden . (Hear some voters explain their decision on the “Run-Up” podcast . )

Trump said he might seek to prosecute political opponents if he won. Threats like that damage the rule of law , legal experts told The Times’s Adam Liptak.

Byron Donalds, a House Republican and potential Trump running mate, suggested that Jim Crow had an upside for Black Americans because “the Black family was together” and “more Black people voted conservatively.”

More on Politics

Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bill to guarantee access to contraception . Two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted to advance it.

At Hunter Biden’s federal trial, his ex-wife and a former girlfriend testified about his drug and alcohol abuse .

House Republicans recommended that the Justice Department charge Hunter Biden and James Biden, the president’s brother, with lying to Congress. Republicans’ claims appear to include misrepresentations of Hunter Biden’s testimony .

International

The Slovak prime minister spoke publicly for the first time since an assassination attempt hospitalized him.

A train crash in the Czech Republic killed at least four people.

Papua New Guinea will end its search for victims of a landslide that leveled remote villages. It appears to have killed hundreds of people, rather than thousands, as local officials once feared.

A gunman opened fire on the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon , injuring a security guard before Lebanese security forces shot and captured him.

Congestion Pricing

Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York abruptly halted a plan to charge drivers who enter the busiest parts of Manhattan . It had been set to take effect this month, and she cited economic harm for her change of mind.

The program, known as congestion pricing, would have been the first of its kind in the U.S., with proceeds funding public transit. Similar programs in London, Singapore and Stockholm have largely succeeded .

Other Big Stories

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft carried two NASA astronauts into orbit after years of costly delays. Separately, SpaceX is set this morning to launch Starship , the largest rocket built.

Leaders of a California city voted to stop scientists from testing a salt-spraying device they say could help cool the planet. The officials cited health risks, despite a report finding none.

F.D.A. advisers recommended that Covid vaccine manufacturers update their shots to combat new variants ahead of a fall vaccination campaign.

Isolationism is a delusion . The only way to make America safe is to build its defense now, Senator Mitch McConnell writes.

Miami’s needle exchange program proves harm reduction can work even in red states, Maia Szalavitz writes.

Here’s a column by Lydia Polgreen on India’s elections .

MORNING READS

36 Hours : There’s so much to do in Brooklyn in the summertime. A local writer picked her favorite spots .

Wing bearers: In Britain, owls take a starring role in weddings .

Social Q’s: “Is it disrespectful to my dead father if I speak to his estranged brother ?”

Health: A report highlights the persistence of long Covid for millions of Americans.

Lives Lived: Bertien van Manen was a Dutch photographer who captured intimate images of daily life in China’s discos and villages, in post-Soviet Russia and in Kentucky mining country. She died at 89 .

N.B.A.: The Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics face off tonight in Game 1 of the N.B.A. Finals.

W.N.B.A.: Chicago Sky players reported being harassed outside their team hotel in Washington, less than a week after the Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s hard foul on Caitlin Clark sparked outrage.

College football: The schedule for the sport’s first 12-team playoff is published .

ARTS AND IDEAS

Benjamin Bolger, 48, has spent his life earning degrees: 14 advanced degrees, as well as an associate’s and a bachelor’s. He has studied at Brandeis, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, Yale and elsewhere, and is now pursuing a master’s at Cambridge. In an era of cynicism about higher education, Joseph Bernstein explores what we can learn from him .

More on culture

Jenna Lyons, a former J. Crew president and “Real Housewives of New York City” star, hosted a stoop sale. This is what she sold .

Late night hosts joked about Boeing .

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

Use pearl couscous instead of rice to halve your stirring time for this caprese-inspired “risotto.”

Calm caffeine-related anxiety .

Upgrade your sleeper sofa .

Here is today’s Spelling Bee . Yesterday’s pangram was beekeeping .

And here are today’s Mini Crossword , Wordle , Sudoku , Connections and Strands .

Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow.

Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox . Reach our team at [email protected] .

Alex Travelli is a correspondent based in New Delhi, writing about business and economic developments in India and the rest of South Asia. More about Alex Travelli

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Military Digest: Ahead of PM Modi’s France visit, recalling Indian soldiers’ bravery in WW1

This week, ahead of PM Modi’s visit to France, we take a look at the soldiers of the Indian Army who received the highest British Gallantry Award, the Victoria Cross, in the First World War while fighting in France and Belgium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the Bastille’s Day Parade in Paris, France on July 14. A contingent of the Indian military, comprising troops from the Indian Army’s Punjab Regiment, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force will also march in the parade along with a band of The Rajputana Rifles.

The Indian Army had fought valiantly in France and Belgium in the First World War.

Rifleman Kulbir Thapa

2nd Battalion, 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Born on December 15, 1888, in Nigalpani, Nepal, Thapa died on October 3, 1956.

Citation: Kulbir had been part of a party of soldiers which had fought their way into a German trench despite the odds, but in doing so every other party member had been killed save him. Kulbir, though wounded himself, came across a wounded soldier of the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment and, against the protestations of the British soldier, stayed with the man for the rest of the day and the following night. On the morning of the 26th, under the cover of mist, Kulbir carried the wounded man back out through the German wire and brought him to comparative safety. He then returned and carried out two wounded Gurkhas one after the other. Finally, he returned once more, by this time in broad daylight, to the initial wounded British soldier and brought him to the full safety of the British lines. For the majority of this last trip, he was under enemy fire, and it is said that in at least one instance German fire ceased and was replaced with applause upon seeing Kulbir’s bravery.

Rifleman Gobar Singh Negi

2nd Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles

Born on April 21, 1895, in Manjaur village, Tehri Garhwal, Negi died on April 10, 1915, in Neuve Chapelle, France.

Citation: He was awarded Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery on March 10, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle. During our attack on the German position he was one of a bayonet party with bombs who entered their main trench, and was the first man to go round each traverse, driving back the enemy until they were eventually forced to surrender. He was killed during this engagement.

Naik N K Darwan Singh Negi

1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles

Negi was born on March 4, 1883, in Kafaditir Pauri, Badhan, Garhwal, and died on June 24, 1950.

Citation: For great gallantry on the night of the 23rd–24th November, near Festubert France, when the regiment was engaged in retaking and clearing the enemy out of our trenches, and, although wounded in two places in the head, and also in the arm, being one of the first to push round each successive traverse, in the face of severe fire from bombs and rifles at the closest range.

Lt John Smyth

15th Ludhiana Sikhs

Born on October 24, 1893, in Devon, England, Smyth died on April 26, 1983, in Marylebone, London.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery near Richebourg L’Avoue on 18 May 1915. With a bombing party of 10 men, who voluntarily undertook this duty, he conveyed a supply of 96 bombs to within 20 yards of the enemy’s position over exceptionally dangerous ground, after the attempts of two other parties had failed. Lieutenant Smyth succeeded in taking the bombs to the desired position with the aid of two of his men (the other eight having been killed or wounded), and to effect his purpose he had to swim a stream, being exposed the whole time to howitzer, shrapnel, machine gun and rifle fire.

Lance Dafadar Gobind Singh

28th Light Cavalry attached to 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) during the First World War.

Singh, who was born on December 7, 1887, at Damoi, Rajasthan , died in 1942. He was awarded Victoria Cross in the Battle of Cambrai.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in thrice volunteering to carry messages between the regiment and Brigade Headquarters, a distance of 1½ miles over open ground which was under the observation and heavy fire of the enemy. He succeeded each time in delivering his message, although on each occasion his horse was shot and he was compelled to finish his journey on foot.

Lt Frank de Pass

34th Prince Albert Victor’s Own Poona Horse

De Pass, who was born on April 26, 1887, died on November 25, 1914, in Festubert, France.

Citation: For conspicuous bravery near Festubert on November 24, in entering a German sap and destroying a traverse in the face of the enemy’s bombs, and for subsequently rescuing, under heavy fire, a wounded man who was lying exposed in the open. Lieutenant de Pass lost his life on this day in a second attempt to capture the aforementioned sap, which had been re-occupied by the enemy.

Lt William Bruce

59th Scinde Rifles (Frontier Force)

Bruce was born on June 15, 1890, in Edinburgh, Scotland and he died on December 19, 1914, in Givenchy, France.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On the 19th of December 1914, near Givenchy, during a night attack, Lieutenant Bruce was in command of a small party which captured one of the enemy’s trenches. In spite of being severely wounded in the neck, he walked up and down the trench, encouraging his men to hold on against several counter-attacks for some hours until killed. The fire from rifles and bombs was very heavy all day, and it was due to the skilful disposition made, and the example and encouragement shown by Lieutenant Bruce that his men were able to hold out until dusk, when the trench was finally captured by the enemy.

Jemadar Mir Dast

55th Coke’s Rifles (Frontier Force) attached to 57th Wilde’s Rifles (Frontier Force)

Dast was born on December 3, 1874, in Tirah, NWFP, and died on January 19, 1945, in the Peshawar district.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery and great ability Ypres on April 26, 1915, when he led his platoon with great gallantry during the attack, and afterwards collected various parties of the regiment (when no British officers were left) and kept them under his command until the retirement was ordered. Jemadar Mir Dast subsequently on this day displayed remarkable courage in helping to carry eight British and Indian officers into safety, whilst exposed to very heavy fire.

Sepoy Khudadad Khan

129th Duke of Connaught’s Own Baluchis

Born on October 20, 1888, at Dab, Chakwal, Punjab, Khan died on March 8, 1971, in Pakistan.

Citation: On 31st October 1914, at Hollebeke, Belgium, a British Officer in charge of the detachment having been wounded, and the other gun put out of action by a shell, Sepoy Khudadad, though himself wounded, remained working his gun until all the other five men of the gun detachment had been killed.

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