New Delhi, July 12 (Bureau) Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France would set new benchmarks for India’s strategic partnership in the years ahead. Addressing a special briefing here, a day before Modi embarks on his trip to France, Kwatra said, “The visit would be both rich in substance and we believe that it would set new benchmarks for our strategic partnership in years ahead”. Modi will be on a three-day trip to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Giving details of the visit, the Foreign Secretary said “The major ceremonial part of the visit will start on July 14 and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the French National Day celebration is a “special gesture” extended by France. “PM Modi will participate in the French National Day celebration- Bastille Day. This is a very special gesture extended by France to PM Modi” he said. A large tri-services contingent from India will also participate in the Bastille Day Parade along with three Indian Air Force aircraft, which would also take part in the flypast after the Bastille Day celebrations. On Thursday, Modi will meet his French counterpaprt Élisabeth Borne and President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher, the Foreign Secretary said. This would be the Prime Minister’s sixth visit to France. On Thursday evening, the prime minister will interact with the Indian community which would be followed by a private dinner to be hosted by President Macron at Élysée Palace in Modi’s honour.
“The visit’s major ceremonial part will start on Friday wherein the Prime Minister will participate in Bastille Day celebrations” he added. On the same day, the Prime Minister will hold delegation-level discussions with French President Macron. “The two leaders will also interact with the CEOs from both countries under the rubric of the India-France CEO forum” he said. After concluding his visit in France the Prime Minister will depart to Abu Dhabi on July 15. The Prime Minister will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.