Watch: IAF Rafales And Tri-Service Contingent Putting On A Spectacular Show In Presence Of PM Modi, French President Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to France to participate in the Bastille Day parade on the occasion of the French National Day on 14 July.

He is scheduled for a two-day visit where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron to hold conversations on enhancing strategic, military and technological ties between the two nations.

As part of the celebration, a tri-service contingent of the Indian Armed Forces marched along with their French counterparts.

Additionally, a spectacular fly-past was conducted by three IAF's Rafales along with a lone French Air Force Rafale, flying in-formation.

Multiple other aircrafts from French and other allied air forces' fighter jets including Rafale, Mirage 2000, F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon, also took part in the fly-past.

The IAF's Rafale jets that took part in the fly-past also accomplished a historic feat of becoming the first-ever IAF fighters to fly continously for more 10 hours, covering a distance of 4,500 miles to reach France.

A tri-service contingent spearheaded by Indian Army's Punjab regiment also marched in the parade to the melodious tune of the patriotic song 'saare jahan se achha, hindustan hamara.'

The Indian Navy stealth destroyer INS Chennai also arrived at Brest, France and participated in the celebrations.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister is expected to announce the signing of the deal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets and three scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.

Yesterday, the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the acceptance of necessity for Rafale-Ms and scorpene submarines.

These Rafale-Ms will act as a complement to the Russian Mig-29Ks in the Indian Navy and are a stop-gap measure until the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter arrives.

The scorpene submarines, on the other hand, will temporarily strengthen the dwindling submarine fleet of the Navy.

The 26 Rafale-Ms are expected to cost €5.5 billion while the three scorpenes are expected to cost €4 billion.