PM participates in Bastille Day Parade in Paris, calls France a trusted partner

He further highlighted that the defence ties between the two nations have served as a vital pillar in their bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister's statement came a day after the Defence Acquisition Council's approval of the proposal to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft from France for the Indian Navy. Speculations had been circulating regarding the announcement of the deal during Prime Minister Modi's visit to France.

After witnessing the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indo-French relationship and said, "1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further."

"India, inspired by its centuries old ethos, is committed to doing everything possible to make our planet peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future" he tweeted.

"Be it submarines or Indian naval ships, together we want to fulfill not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries," said PM Modi on Friday. He added that defence ties between the two countries are a symbol of their "deep trust".

PM Modi also underscored several initiatives which will be undertaken as part of efforts to enhance ties between India and France.

The prime minister highlighted in his speech that France is a "natural partner" to India's resolve to make itself a developed nation.

"India and France are celebrating 25 years of our strategic partnership. We are making a roadmap for the next 25 years on the basis of the strong foundation of the previous 25 years. Bold and ambitious goals are being set for this. The people of India have taken the resolve to make ourselves a developed nation. On this journey, we see France as a natural partner," said PM Modi.

During his announcement, Prime Minister Modi revealed that an agreement had been reached to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France. Further, several new initiatives to enhance cooperation between the two countries were identified, spanning areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, cyber technology, and digital technology. The aim is to foster collaboration and advancements in these domains.

PM Modi also said the long-term deal between Indian Oil and France's Total company to export Liquefied natural gas (LNG), will help in achieving India's target of clean energy transition.

We will discuss cooperation on small and modular nuclear reactors, take our cooperation in nuclear energy forward, said the prime minister.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm and pride in the anticipated launch of Chandrayaan 3, India's lunar mission, emphasizing that the entire country is eagerly looking forward to this remarkable achievement.

"This is a major achievement of our scientists. In the arena of space, India and France have had an old and deep cooperation."

Prime Minister Modi made an announcement regarding the construction of a new Indian Consulate in the city of Marseille, France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude and dedicated the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest honour bestowed upon him by President Emmanuel Macron, to the people of India.

"It is not my honour but the honour of 140 crore people of the country," said PM Modi.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined French President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day in Paris as the Guest of Honour on Friday.

During the event a 269-member Indian tri-service contingent took part in the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft also performed a fly-past on the occasion.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President of France Emmanuel Macron in the evening.

He will also interact with CEOs of Indian and French companies, and prominent French personalities.

The French President will host the State Banquet at the iconic Louvre Museum tonight.

On Thursday French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on PM Narendra Modi.

It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. PM Modi is the first Indian PM to receive this honour.

Interacting with the Indians at a community event Thursday night, the Prime Minister said, "India is the mother of democracy and a model of diversity. The world is moving to a new world order and India's role is also steadily changing and India is witnessing a major transformation today and the command of this change lies with the citizens of India.”