Military parade, with legionnaires and Rafale fighter planes, as well as new industrial projects: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday signaled their desire to strengthen the “unprecedented defense alliance” between the two countries on the occasion of India's National Day.
“We are in the process, both on the civil and military front, to continue this adventure because here we have a democracy that shares many of the same values”, launched the French head of state in front of French expatriates in New Delhi, far dispelling accusations of irregularities authoritarianism in India.
Emmanuel Macron was the guest of honor of the Indian strongman at the celebration of the Indian Constitution which came into force on January 26, 1950, two years after independence.
The two leaders attended the parade side by side in a ceremony that combined British Royal traditions and contemporary Indian symbols.
Emmanuel Macron walked down the main street leading to the Gate of India, the Arc-de-Triomphe in the heart of the Indian capital, with a carriage drawn by six horses and a guard of honor in full splendor.
After the Indian national anthem and 21 cannon shots, the Foreign Legion contingent, known for its rhythmic steps and white caps, opened the parade, followed by a flyover of two French Rafale fighter planes.
Behind the pollution, Russian T-90 tanks, camel cavalry, infantry and military figures on motorbikes then follow each other in parades often punctuated by sequences of folklore.
– A hub in Asia –
Far from Paris, Emmanuel Macron continues to follow the world agricultural crisis that threatens to block all of France.
Narendra Modi, who was the guest of honor at the July 14 military parade in Paris, returned the favor six months later.
This Hindu nationalist leader, determined to push India onto the international stage, also aimed to transform his country into a major industrial power in line with his slogan “Make in India”.
France, for its part, is eyeing new contracts with the world's fifth economy, ranging from defense to nuclear energy, including, if necessary, technology transfers, which its partners have strongly requested.
“We will continue to consolidate our alliances with one goal, to be there to +Make in India+ but to do it by exchanging technology in a calm manner, by making India the production hub for all our partnerships in the region”, summarized Emmanuel Macron.
India has purchased 36 French Rafales and is in negotiations to acquire another 26 Rafales. However, they want to develop their defense industrial base through joint ventures.
From defense aeronautics to autonomous vehicles and cyber defense, a roadmap has been agreed to jointly produce more products in India, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced.
– “Message has been sent” –
Manufacturer Airbus and Indian conglomerate Tata Group have entered into a partnership to manufacture civil helicopters in India.
The two countries, which have collaborated for 60 years in the space sector, also signed a declaration of intent to launch a satellite.
As the country with the largest demographic power (1.43 billion people) and the country with the fifth largest economy in the world, India is a heavyweight and increasingly sought after country.
France, for its part, aims to be a player in the Asia-Pacific zone and a balancing force between North and South.
Human rights organizations have urged President Macron to raise the issue, particularly the oppression of religious minorities.
The case of French journalist Vanessa Dognac, who was threatened with expulsion for articles deemed “dangerous”, was also raised during the visit.
“I conveyed the message to your colleagues, to clarify things and so that press freedom is fully respected,” the President assured.
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