News Brief
Swarajya News Staff
Jul 13, 2023, 02:09 PM | Updated 02:09 PM IST
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way for an official visit to France. The visit holds special importance, marking 25 years of strategic ties between India and France.
During his time there, he will have bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and be the guest of honour at the national Bastille Day celebrations.
PM Modi will attend a grand state banquet at the renowned Louvre Museum. Plus, President Macron will host a private dinner at his residence.
The Prime Minister will also have the opportunity to interact with influential French leaders and members of the Indian diaspora.
What the schedule looks like:
PM Modi is expected to arrive in Paris at around 4 pm IST, where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Orly Airport.
His first interaction will be with the Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. He is also scheduled to meet Gerard Larcher, the President of the French Senate.
Later in the evening, PM Modi will address members of the Indian community at the iconic La Seine Musicale. Following this, President Macron will host a private dinner at the Elysee Palace in honour of the Prime Minister.
PM Modi has been invited to be the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade in France. This annual event commemorates the start of the French Revolution and the end of monarchy in the country.
This year, an Indian tri-services contingent will also participate in the Bastille Day Parade. Additionally, three Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past during the celebration.
PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception at the Elysee Palace on Friday evening (14 July). Following this, he will engage in delegation-level bilateral talks with President Macron.
The leaders of India and France will engage with CEOs from both countries during the India-France CEO Forum.
The Prime Minister's schedule for the second day also includes a meeting with the President of the French National Assembly Braun-Pivet, as well as meetings with thought leaders and influential business figures.
The visit will culminate with a grand state banquet at the prestigious Louvre Museum, renowned for housing iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa and The Coronation of Napoleon.
The most recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron took place in May of this year on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.
The Prime Minister will travel to the UAE on 15 July, following his commitments in Paris.