‘Strong action needs to be taken’
PARIS, July 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said a roadmap to strengthen India-France strategic ties over the next 25 years was being prepared with bold and ambitious goals, as he asserted that defence cooperation was a strong pillar of the relationship.
Modi, who is here on a two-day official visit, was received warmly at the Elysee Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron after which the two leaders made press statements.
“We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership. On the strong foundation of the last 25 years, we are preparing a roadmap for the coming 25 years. We are setting bold and ambitious goals for this,” Modi said at a joint press statement with President Macron.
He said defence ties have always been the basic pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. “This is a symbol of mutual trust between the two countries,” he said.
“France is an important partner in ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat…Be it submarines or naval aircraft, together we want to fulfil not just ours but also the requirements of other friendly countries,” Modi said. Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have impacted the whole world, Modi said the countries of the Global South have been particularly impacted negatively.
“This is a matter of concern. To find solutions to such problems, it is important for countries to make efforts unitedly. We believe that all disputes can be resolved only through dialogue and diplomacy. India is willing to contribute to lasting peace,” the Prime Minister said.
“In the fight against terrorism, India and France have been together. We believe that strong action needs to be taken against cross-border terrorism,” Modi said. In his remarks, Modi also said the two countries have agreed to launch India’s Unified Payment Interface in France. He also announced that India would open a new Consulate in the port town of Marseilles.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi joined President Macron for the Bastille Day parade as the Guest of Honour with an Indian tri-services marching contingent wowing crowds here during the French National Day celebrations. Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) also joined the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian premier to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Modi received the honour at the Elysee Palace here on Thursday and joined the ranks of other prominent world leaders such as the former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary General of the United Nations, among others.
The prime minister, who is in France for a two-day official visit, was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived here on Thursday. He will join President Macron for the French National Day celebrations on Friday as the Guest of Honour.
“It is with great humility that I accept the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. This is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron, the French Government and people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection towards India and resolve for furthering friendship with our nation,” Modi tweeted.
The conferring of the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor’ on PM@narendramodi is a recognition of his commitment to India-France ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.
“It also reflects his international standing and contribution to addressing key global issues. Join in extending best wishes to PM@narendramodi whose leadership in world affairs is an inspiration for so many,” Jaishankar, who is currently in Jakarta, Indonesia, tweeted.
“A warm gesture embodying the spirit of partnership. PM @narendramodi conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France by President @EmmanuelMacron,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour given by France is another in a series of top international awards and honours bestowed by various countries on Prime Minister Modi.
These include Order of the Nile by Egypt in June 2023, Companion of the Order of Logohu by Papua New Guinea in May 2023, Companion of the Order of Fiji in May 2023, Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau in May 2023, Order of the Druk Gyalpo by Bhutan in 2021, Legion of Merit by the US Government in 2020, King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by Bahrain in 2019, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives in 2019.
Modi received the Order of St. Andrew Award from Russia in 2019, and the Order of Zayed Award from the UAE in 2019. He also received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award in 2018, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan from Afghanistan in 2016 and the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudia Arabia in 2016.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, The Legion of Honour is divided into five classes (lower to higher). The colour of the ribbon is red and the badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath.
Although the membership to the award is restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who serve France or uphold its ideals may also be given a distinction of the Legion.
Earlier, the French president and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted a private dinner for Modi at the Elysee Palace. On Thursday evening, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora here and announced an agreement for the use of UPI in France, opening a huge new market for Indian innovation in cashless instant payment. (PTI)
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