French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the guest of honor at France's National Day parade on July 14th. This invitation is a reflection of the booming business and military bilateral ties between the two countries, as well as India's strategic importance as the world's most populated country and the current leader of the Group of 20 nations. Macron has sought to deepen political and business ties with developing countries in a bid to cast Europe as a stronger partner than China.
Attending Bastille Day is a rare privilege for France's closest allies. The celebration in Paris typically includes a military parade on the Champs Elysees avenue and air force jets flying over the capital. Macron has also planned to visit India in September, with both countries strengthening their cooperation in various fields.
However, Macron's outreach to China has been a point of contention with India, as they have tense relations with Beijing. A border dispute between India and China has occasionally led to deadly skirmishes. India and the US, along with Japan and Australia, are members of the so-called Quad grouping, seen as a counter to China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing has criticized the group as a "clique" that could stoke a new Cold War.
Despite these differences, officials believe that they won't prevent deepening ties between France and India. India has already purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, and French-owned shipbuilder Naval Group has helped build six submarines in India through a transfer of technology. The company could be eyeing more such deals in the future.
Total goods trade between France and India approached $15.8 billion in 2022, a 6% increase from the previous year. Top French exports to India include aircraft, telecommunications equipment, and turbojets. In February, Air India Ltd. agreed to purchase 250 commercial airplanes from Airbus SE.
In conclusion, Macron's invitation to Modi to attend Bastille Day reflects the growing importance of India as a strategic partner for France. The two countries have deepened their cooperation in various fields, including defense, trade, and technology. Despite differing views on China and Russia, officials believe that these differences won't prevent further strengthening of ties between France and India.