On the occasion of Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14, 2023, every year by France, French President Emmanuel Macron has invited PM Narendra Modi to France wherein they will announce a new phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership on a range of issues regarding scientific, economic and defence cooperation.
The event will witness the participation of a marching contingent from India representing the three services of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with the fly-past of the Jaguar Fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force in the military parade.
India is the only country in the world still using the Anglo-French Jet made for ground attack missions.
On the defence front, the French side is likely to raise the issue of supplying the maritime version of the Dassault Rafael jets to address the requirement of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy had evaluated the Boeing-F-18 Super Hornet and the Rafael for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.
This recommendation was to go for a government-to-government deal for the acquisition, with the delivery time being of the essence as the current fleet of Russian Origin MiG-29 fighter jets that have shown sub-optimal performance.
The discussions will also include cooperation in the underwater domain.
France is constructing the Scorpene class submarines with a reputed DPSU (Defence Public Sector Undertaking) called Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.
The MDL has moved a case for constructing three additional submarines equipped with air propulsion systems that can give them the ability to stay underwater for weeks.
What is Bastille Day?
The Bastille was initially a fortress guarding the eastern entrance of Paris in the 1300s. It was later used as a French prison and detention centre for important persons in the 17th and 18th centuries.
It was stormed by an angry mob of revolutionists on July 14, 1789, who then released the prisoners. It is considered as a signal of the famous French Revolution (1789).
It is also called the National Day of France. It is celebrated on July 14 every year with fireworks and military parades.
