Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Thursday for a two-day visit, which he said would give new “impetus” to his country’s strategic partnership with France.
Mr Modi has been invited to be guest of honour at celebrations for France’s national day, Bastille Day, on Friday.
India announced a new multibillion-dollar deal for French fighter jets on Thursday, with the defence ministry saying it intended to order 26 more Rafale jets as well as another three Scorpene-class submarines, with the price and other terms still being discussed.
New Delhi is one of the biggest buyers of French arms and Mr Modi announced a major deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a 2015 trip to Paris worth about €4 billion ($4.4 billion).
“This closeness is not limited to just the leaders of two countries, it is in fact a reflection of the unwavering friendship between India and France,” Mr Modi told an enthusiastic crowd of Indians living in France on Thursday evening.
French President Emmanuel Macron told a meeting of military leaders he was “happy to welcome India as guest of honour to our parade”.
“It’s a giant of world history which will have a decisive role for our future. It’s also a strategic partner and a friend,” he said.
New Delhi sent a 269-member contingent of Indian armed forces for the occasion. At least three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets will take part in a flypast over the Champs Elysees, alongside French warplanes.
“An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a flypast,” he said.
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