PM Modi France, UAE visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on a two-day visit during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron and join him for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
Taking to Twitter soon after he arrived in France, PM Modi tweeted, "Landed in Paris. Looking forward to boosting India-France cooperation during this visit. My various programmes today include an interaction with the Indian community later in the evening."
In a special gesture, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne received Prime Minister Modi at the airport. A ceremonial welcome and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival.
"PM @narendramodi alights at the Paris airport. Accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, PM @Elisabeth_Borne received him at the airport. PM’s intensive programme in Paris includes participation in the Bastille Day celebrations & a slew of engagements with the French leadership, Indian diaspora, CEOs and prominent personalities," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
Here's PM Modi's France, UAE schedule for July 13, 14 and 15
July 13 | All timings in Paris local time
- 12:30 PM | Arrival in Paris
- 4:05 PM | Meeting with President of Senate
- 5:15 PM | Meeting with PM of France
- 7:35 PM | Community Event at La Seine Musicale
- 9 PM | Private Dinner hosted by President Macron
July 14 | All timings in Paris local time
- 10 AM - 12:20 PM | Bastille Day
- 1 PM | PM Modi to attend lunch hosted by President of National Assembly
- 2:40 PM | Meeting with prominent personalities
- 5 PM | Ceremonial Reception, Tete a Tete, Delegation Talks, Press Statements
- 7 PM | CEO Forum
- 8:30 PM | Banquet Dinner in Louvre
July 15
00:15 AM | Departure for Abu Dhabi
UAE Schedule | All timings in Abu Dhabi local time
- 9:15 AM | Arrival
- 12:40 PM | Ceremonial welcome, Delegation Talks, Tete-a-Tete
- 1:50 PM | Banquet lunch
- 3:15 PM | Departure for Delhi
Prime Minister Modi interacted with children and members of the Indian diaspora on his arrival at the hotel in Paris. Enthusiastic Indian community members who were waiting outside his hotel chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' as they met the prime minister.
"A warm welcome by the Indian diaspora in Paris! Across the world, our diaspora has made a mark for themselves and are admired for their diligence and hardworking nature," Modi said.
Ahead of his departure, Modi expressed confidence that his visit will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership. Expansion of bilateral defence ties is expected to be a key focus of Prime Minister Modi's talks with Macron.
"I look forward to meeting President Macron and holding wide-ranging discussions on taking forward this longstanding and time-tested partnership over the next 25 years," Modi said in his departure statement.
"We also work together on regional and global issues," he added.
Modi said his visit to France was particularly special as he will join President Macron for the French National Day, or Bastille Day celebrations in Paris as the Guest of Honour.
A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also join the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.
Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of India-France strategic partnership, Modi said that rooted in deep trust and commitment, the two countries cooperate closely across various domains, including defence, space, civil nuclear, blue economy, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people ties.
ALSO READ | PM Modi France, UAE visit | UPDATES
