Alexandre Chauveau / Photo credit: BERTRAND GUAY / AFP
For his fifth visit to France, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be the guest of honor at the July 14 parade, on Thursday praised “the unshakable friendship” with France. He also announced his intention to buy 26 additional Rafale planes in Paris. A two-day state visit that responds to diplomatic logic.
Arriving in Paris on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the July 14 parade this Friday morning as guest of honor. A two-day state visit has already been fruitful for the French defense industry since India has confirmed the order for 26 Rafale Marine and three Scorpene submarines. The reception of the Indian Prime Minister also responds to a diplomatic logic: India is considered a privileged partner.
Paris and New Delhi cooperate in several areas
This state visit is Narendra Modi’s fifth visit to France, the fourth under Emmanuel Macron. The two countries cooperate in military matters but also in the space, energy and academic fields. A solid relationship that dates back to 1998. At the time, Paris refused to align itself with Washington to sanction New Delhi, author of its first nuclear test.
A voice heard
India is also and above all an essential nation on the international scene: fifth world power, first demographic power and third emitter of greenhouse gases. Its voice is listened to and its position in the Indo-Pacific zone is appreciated by Paris. Indeed, India embodies a stable partner, capable of containing Chinese expansionism but also American influence in a region where France has strategic interests.
A power of balance, in short, which is also illustrated in Ukraine. New Delhi has not officially condemned the Russian invasion and refuses sanctions against Moscow, while calling for an end to the war. Paris therefore welcomes a major player in the new world order. The country aims to become a superpower for the 100th anniversary of its independence in 2047.