Prime Minister in Paris to boost strategic ties with France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted by Indian community members on his arrival in Paris on Thursday. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on a two-day visit during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron and join him for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. "Landed in Paris. Looking forward to boosting India-France cooperation during this visit. My various programmes today include an interaction with the Indian community later in the evening," Modi tweeted soon after his arrival here.

In a special gesture, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne received Modi at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival. "PM @narendramodi alights at the Paris airport. Accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, PM @Elisabeth_Borne received him at the airport. PM's intensive programme in Paris includes participation in the Bastille Day celebrations & a slew of engagements with the French leadership, Indian diaspora, CEOs and prominent personalities," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Modi interacted with children and members of the Indian diaspora on his arrival in Paris. Enthusiastic Indian community members chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai' as they met Modi. Ahead of his departure, Modi expressed confidence that his visit will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership. Modi said his visit to France was particularly special as he will join President Macron for the French National Day, or Bastille Day celebrations in Paris as the Guest of Honour.

INS Chennai to participate in celebrations

The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Chennai is in France to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations, officials said on Thursday. An Indian military contingent comprising all three services will also participate.

India clears big-ticket procurement for Navy

India on Thursday approved proposals for purchasing 26 Naval variant of Rafale jets from France and procuring three French-designed Scorpene class submarines, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The two big-ticket procurement projects, expected to cost in the range of Rs 80,000 to Rs 85,000 crore, was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

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