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PM Modi’s France Visit Highlights: '46% of world's real-time digital transactions take place in India,' says PM

Narendra modi france visit live news: prime minister narendra modi on thursday expressed confidence that his visit to france will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership..

Narendra Modi France Visit LIVE News: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to France on Thursday where he will attend the traditional Bastille Day military parade as guest of honour and discuss major new defence deals, AFP reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron's red-carpet welcome for the Hindu nationalist leader comes weeks after Modi was given the rare honour of a White House state dinner in Washington -- a city he was once banned from visiting.

Despite differences over the war in Ukraine and tensions over human rights in India, New Delhi and Western democracies are keen on deepening ties because of mutual concerns about China.

"India is one of the pillars of our Indo-Pacific strategy," an aide to Macron told reporters this week on condition of anonymity.

Macron has made Modi guest of honour for the July 14 military parade, which kicks off France's national day celebrations, with the participation of Indian troops and Indian-flown French-made fighter jets underlining close defence ties. India is one of the biggest buyers of French arms, with Modi announcing a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a trip to Paris in 2015 that was worth around 4.0 billion euros ($4.24 billion) at the time.

He is set to unveil the purchase of another 26 marine versions of the state-of-the-art aircraft during this visit, as well as a deal for three Scorpene-class submarines, according to reports by the Tribune news website in France and the Hindustan Times newspaper in India. New Delhi is seeking to rapidly modernize its armed forces, with fears about China's assertiveness heightened by simmering disputes along its Himalayan frontier, AFP reported.

At Indian diaspora event, PM Modi speaks of his 40-yr-old association with France

While addressing the Indian community at an event in Paris on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about his four-decade-old association with France.

He recalled about taking the membership of Alliance Francaise - the cultural centre of France in India, around 40 years back, and that he was the first person who got registered with it.

‘India and France agreed to use UPI in France’: PM Modi

India and France have agreed to use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment mechanism which will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday. He said Indian tourists in France will now be able to make payments in rupees.

Read more here

‘India is witnessing a big change’: PM Modi in France

In his address, PM Modi also noted that India is witnessing a big change and that the command of this lies with its citizens.

"Today, the land of India is witnessing a big change, and the command of this change lies with its citizens, with the sisters, daughters and with the youth of India," PM Modi said while adding that the whole world is full of new hope for India.

PM Modi conferred with France's highest honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honour of France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron, an official statement said.

Modi was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on a two-day visit on Thursday. He will join Macron for the French National Day celebrations on Friday as the Guest of Honour.

Issues regarding OCI cards in Reunion Island resolved: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the issues regarding the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards in Reunion Island have been resolved. He said that OCI cards are being issued there and the government is now trying to resolve the issue in Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Indian Army band enthralls audience ahead of PM Modi's address

Who is iaf squadron leader sindhu reddy.

Squadron Leader Reddy is a helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force. She will lead the 68-member IAF contingent at the parade that will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the guest of honour.

Modi holds delegation-level talks with French PM

Pm modi meets president of the french senate, 269-member indian tri-services contingent heads to paris.

A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also join the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.

What will PM Modi's itinerary look like?

PM Narendra Modi will attend the Bastille Day parade in Paris tomorrow as the guest of honour. After the parade, the PM will attend a lunch hosted by the President of the National Assembly of France. After this, the PM will meet prominent personalities.

PM Modi will also be accorded a ceremonial welcome tomorrow and will have tete-a-tete and delegation-level talks. The PM will also attend the CEO Forum event and banquet dinner in Louvre.

INS Chennai in France to participate in Bastille Day celebrations

The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Chennai is in France to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations, officials said on Thursday.

An Indian military contingent comprising all three services will participate in the Bastille Day celebrations in France on July 14 where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the guest of honour.

"Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Chennai is in Brest, France, to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations at Brest," a senior official said.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Paris on Thursday on a two-day visit. (PTI)

First look of IAF’s Rafales set to participate in Bastille Day parade

Looking forward to boosting india-france cooperation, says pm modi after landing in paris , pm modi to address indian community at la seine musicale at around 11 pm, pm narendra modi greets members of indian diaspora, pm narendra modi welcomed by french pm elisabeth borne in paris, pm modi receives ceremonial welcome as he arrives in paris, pm narendra modi lands in paris.

PM Narendra Modi on 13 July landed in Paris for an official two-day visit. He has been been invited as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Deeply concerned about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, says PM Modi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an interview with French newspaper Les Echos, said that India is deeply concerned about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. He added that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy. 

Macron’s advisor meets PM Modi ahead of his visit

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, French President’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne met him and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Thursday.

UNSC can't claim to speak for world when largest democracy is not a permanent member, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an interview with French newspaper ‘Les Echos’, said that the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member.

“We live in an era of new technology. New powers have risen causing a relative shift in global balance. We face new challenges, including climate change, cyber security, terrorism, space security, pandemics. I could go on about the changes. In this changed world, many questions arise - are these representative of today's world? Are they able to discharge the roles for which they were set up? Do countries around the world feel that these organizations matter, or are relevant?" PM Modi said.

He said, "How can the UN Security Council claim to be speaking for the world, when its most populous country and largest democracy is not a permanent member?" (PTI)

PM Modi France Visit: India’s indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Chennai arrives in France for Bastille Day celebrations

India’s indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Chennai and the country’s naval personnel arrived in France on Wednesday for the French National Day celebrations on July 14.

"A warm welcome in France to India’s indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Chennai, and our naval personnel. Symbol of India’s naval power. Here for the French National Day on July 14, with PM @narendramodi as the GoH. A message of India-France maritime security partnership," Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf tweeted on Wednesday. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: Visit to France will provide new impetus to our strategic partnership: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence that his visit to France will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership, and said that he looks forward to holding wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on taking forward the time-tested relationship over the next 25 years.

In his departure statement, 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.

An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while an Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion, he said.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of India-France strategic partnership, he 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. (ANI)

PM Modi US Visit: India-France partnership aims to advance free, secure, stable Indo Pacific region: PM Modi

Stressing that India-France partnership aims to advance a free, open, inclusive, secure and stable Indo Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two nations also aim to help other countries in the area.

The PM said this to the French newspaper ‘Les Echos’ ahead of his two-day official visit to France that spans from July 13-14.

On being asked about the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Modi said it is "influencing the course of the Indo Pacific region" as the two nations are the major resident powers in the Indian Ocean region.

“Our partnership aims to advance a free, open, inclusive, secure and stable Indo Pacific region, working together and with others in the region who share our vision. There is a strong defence and security component that extends from seabed to space. It also seeks to help other countries in the region and strengthen the regional institutions for security cooperation and norm setting," he told the French daily as per the English translation of the interview. (ANI)

Indian Navy to get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft

As per the proposals, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft, ANI reported.

The Navy has been pressing for acquiring these fighter aircraft and submarines urgently as the force has been facing shortages in view of the security challenges around the country.

The aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s and need the Rafales for operations on both carriers.

Meanwhile, the three Scorpene class submarines would be acquired under the repeat clause by the Navy as part of Project 75 and would be built at the Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: Indian community excited to welcome PM Narendra Modi to France

Indian community in France's capital, Paris, is ecstatic and upbeat about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. PM Modi will visit France from July 13-14 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

He is also scheduled to attend the Bastille Day Parade on July 14.

Members of Indian diaspora in Paris on Wednesday (local time) said that they are all excited to welcome PM Modi, and they will be presenting a special turban to him.

Jayesh Bhavse, Indian Gujarati Cultural Association President, said that they have been preparing to welcome PM Modi as soon as they came to know about his visit. He said that they will present a special turban to PM Modi which will include flags of India and France. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: India gives initial nod for 3 Scorpene Submarines ahead of Bastille Day

India's defence ministry has given initial approval to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets made by Dassault Aviation and three Scorpene class submarines to be made by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with France's Naval Group, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. Read the full story here.

PM Modi France Visit: Military ties to take centre stage as Modi visits France

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to France on Thursday where he will attend the traditional Bastille Day military parade as guest of honour and discuss major new defence deals.

"India is one of the pillars of our Indo-Pacific strategy," an aide to Macron told reporters this week on condition of anonymity. (AFP)

Deeply concerned about impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict on Global South: PM Modi in France

India is deeply concerned about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, especially on the countries of the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, asserting that the conflict must end.

France: Photo exhibition organised in French Foreign Affairs building ahead of PM Modi's visit

Celebrating the strong bilateral ties between India and France, the landmark building of French Foreign Affairs Ministry has been decked up ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country.

India relied on French fighter jets for four decades now

India has relied on French fighter jets for four decades now. Much before buying Rafale in 2015, India bought Mirage jets in 1980s, which still comprise two squadrons of the air force.

In 2005, India bought six Scorpene-class diesel submarines from France for 188 billion rupees ($2.29 billion), the last of which will be commissioned next year. (Reuters)

PM Modi France Visit: India defence ministry gives initial okay to buy Rafale jets, submarines

India's defence ministry has given initial approval to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets made by Dassault Aviation and three Scorpene class submarines to be made by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with France's Naval Group, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

‘India-France have broad-based ties..,’ says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi said that India and France have a broad-based and comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses political, defence, security, economic, human-centric development and sustainability cooperation.

“When countries with similar vision and values work together, bilaterally, in plurilateral arrangements or in regional institutions, they can deal with any challenge." 

PM Modi France Visit: Deeply concerned about impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict on Global South: PM Modi

In an interview to French newspaper Les Echos, he said India has always stood for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy, and for respecting sovereignty of all nations while replying to questions about an "aggressive" China.

To a query on China and if its massive investment in its defense capabilities is threatening the security of the region, Modi said while peace is necessary for the future India seeks to build, it is far from assured.

"Our interests in the Indo-Pacific region are vast, and our engagement is deep. I have described our vision for this region in one word – SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. While peace is necessary for the future we seek to build, it is far from assured," he said.

PM Modi France Visit: ‘Steady and resilient through darkest storms,’ says PM Modi

Hailing the bilateral ties between India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the relationship between the two countries are in an 'excellent' space and stood steady and resilient through the 'darkest storms'.

PM Modi has embarked on a visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. His two-day visit, on July 13 and 14, is special as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.

In an interview to French newspaper Les Echos before departing for France, PM Modi said, "First of all, on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to France, to its government and personally to President Macron for inviting India to 14th July National day celebrations as Guest of honour. I feel grateful to visit France on this occasion. This is a special year as it marks the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership. It is an honour for India and a tribute to India-France friendship."

PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the French Bastille Day celebrations at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, on July 14. (ANI)

More submarines, jets for Indian navy as Modi visits France

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to France on Thursday to deepen ties with New Delhi's oldest strategic partner in the West, with a slew of high-profile defence deals expected and a new joint plan to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, reported Reuters .

Modi has been invited as the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations by French President Emmanuel Macron. Units from India's army, navy and air force will also participate in the parade, including two of the 36 Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 for nearly $9 billion.

The visit will "provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation," the Indian government said in a statement on Wednesday.

This year marks 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries, and the announcement of the new military deals will burnish the deepening defence ties between the two nations. (Reuters)

PM Modi France Visit: PM Modi attending Bastille Day celebrations “sign that India-France strategic partnership is very strong”: Ambassador Jawed Ashraf

Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending Bastille Day celebrations in France is a sign that the India-France strategic partnership is very close, strong and its role will increase in time to come.

PM Modi attending July 14 Bastille Day celebrations as the guest of honour in Paris “is a sign that India and France's strategic partnership is very close. It is very strong and its role will increase in the coming times, not only for both of us, not only for Europe and India but also for the whole world," the Indian Ambassador to France said.

Jawed Ashraf said India-France relations are important. He added that the present moment is India’s moment and the whole world says this. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: ‘High level of complementarity, trust between India-France,’ says Indian Ambassador to France

Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf on Wednesday said that the relations between India and France are not limited to any specific area.

"India and France are strong countries in terms of technology. There is a high level of complementarity and trust between us. The sky is the limit on how much we can work together. India and France share the view of reinvigorating our own industries, to build economies self-reliant on technologies. There are enormous opportunities for cooperation in many areas including the most sensitive areas. Today, French companies are looking at India as an integral part of a global supply chain," the Indian envoy to France said while speaking to ANI.

The Ambassador spoke at length with ANI where he explained in detail about the bilateral relations between India and France.

Jawed Ashraf said that be it at the UN, in multilateral forums or on international platforms, India and France have always shown a good partnership with each other. (ANI)

India-France ties aims to advance stable Indo Pacific region: PM Modi

Pm modi france visit: 'india's stand transparent, consistent,' affirms pm modi on ukraine war.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's stand on the Ukraine war remains clear, transparent and consistent.

Narendra Modi in an interview with Les Echos, a French financial newspaper, said, “India's stand has been clear, transparent and consistent. I have said that it is not an era of war. We have urged both sides to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I told them that India is ready to support all genuine efforts that can help bring this conflict to an end."

This comes at a time when Ukraine secured new commitments of weapons and ammunition to combat Russia's invasion but received an absence of Ukraine's NATO membership during the conclusion of the alliance's annual summit. Read the full story here.

PM Modi France Visit: “Steady and resilient through darkest storms”: PM Modi hails India-France ties ahead of two-day visit

In an interview to French newspaper Les Echos before departing for France, PM Modi said, "First of all, on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to France, to its government and personally to President Macron for inviting India to 14th July National day celebrations as Guest of honour. I feel grateful to visit France on this occasion. This is a special year as it marks the 25th anniversary of our strategic partnership. It is an honour for India and a tribute to India-France friendship." (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: PM Modi is the second PM to be a guest of honour at Bastille Day Parade

PM Modi will visit France to attend the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, ANI reported.

He will be the second Indian PM after Manmohan Singh in 2009 to be the Guest of Honour at Bastille Day Parade, the report said.

PM Modi's visit presents an opportunity for the two nations to move into the next phase in the India-France strategic partnership and set new ambitious goals for cultural, scientific, academic, economic cooperation and wide range of interests, Sunil Prasad, Secretary General of Brussels based Europe India Chamber of Commerce wrote in the Media India Group report.

So far, India has signed more than 35 strategic partnerships agreement with countries.

However, India signed the first-ever strategic partnership with France in January 1998.

PM Modi France Visit: How France can change India's civil aviation industry?

In June, Air India and IndiGo announced purchase agreements to acquire 250 and 500 aircrafts respectively from Airbus during the Paris Air show, ANI reported.

The agreement marks a landmark milestone in ties between India and France.

France is a nation of the Indo-Pacific and PM Modi's visit will help strengthen the collaboration between two nations in the Indo-Pacific where France has overseas territories and an exclusive economic zone. The two nations share a vision of a free, open, and rules-based order, based on commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions, and conflicts, according to Media India Group report.

France hosts the fourth-largest Indian community in Europe after the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, and is making efforts to attract students and professionals from India. A bilateral agreement on migration and mobility cooperation is already in place between two nations which aims to facilitate circular migration on the basis of mobility and return of skills to the home country. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: All you need to know about India's defence deals with France

India is one of the biggest buyers of French arms, with Modi announcing a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a trip to Paris in 2015 that was worth around 4.0 billion euros ($4.24 billion) at the time.

He is set to unveil the purchase of another 26 marine versions of the state-of-the-art aircraft during this visit, as well as a deal for three Scorpene-class submarines, according to reports by the Tribune news website in France and the Hindustan Times newspaper in India.

New Delhi is seeking to rapidly modernise its armed forces, with fears about China's assertiveness heightened by simmering disputes along its Himalayan frontier. (AFP)

PM Modi France Visit: PM Modi's France visit to shape EU-India strategic ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France is likely to boost economic cooperation between India and France and shape broader strategic ties between European Union and India, Media India Group reported, adding that his visit to France holds special significance as the two nations are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership.

PM Modi will visit France to attend the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi's visit presents an opportunity for the two nations to move into the next phase in the India-France strategic partnership and set new ambitious goals for cultural, scientific, academic, economic cooperation and wide range of interests, Sunil Prasad, Secretary General of Brussels based Europe India Chamber of Commerce wrote in the Media India Group report. So far, India has signed more than 35 strategic partnerships agreement with countries. However, India signed the first-ever strategic partnership with France in January 1998. (ANI)

PM Modi France Visit: ‘Visit to France will provide new impetus to our strategic partnership’, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence that his visit to France will provide a new impetus to the bilateral strategic partnership and said that he looks forward to holding wide-ranging discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on taking forward this time-tested relationship over the next 25 years.

An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion, he said.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of our 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.

"We also work together on regional and global issues," he added.

"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. (PTI)

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PM Modi In France Highlights: Bastille Day Parade, CEOs Forum Meet Wrap PM Modi's France Visit

Pm modi france visit highlights: bastille day commemorates the storming of the bastille prison during the french revolution in 1789..

PM Modi in France Live: A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent participated in the parade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined President Emmanuel Macron for the Bastille Day parade as part of the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. PM Modi, who is in France for a two-day official visit, also attended an India-France CEOs Forum meeting along with Macron.

The French National Day, or Bastille Day, occupies a special place in the French consciousness as it commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. The Bastille Day parade is the highlight of the celebrations.

A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent participated in the parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) also joined the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.

Here are the Highlights on PM Modi's France visit:

PM @narendramodi had a wonderful meeting with Mrs. Leena Nair, CEO of @CHANEL . They discussed ways to promote Indian handicrafts like khadi. The PM invited Chanel to explore investment opportunities and collaboration potential in India. pic.twitter.com/IbBu6MiZDu - PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 14, 2023

The talks with my friend, President @EmmanuelMacron were very productive. We reviewed the full range of India-France relations. I am particularly enthusiastic about deepening cooperation in futuristic sectors like green hydrogen, renewable energy, AI, semiconductors and more. pic.twitter.com/kNxPGYj5Fh - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023

Vive l'amitié entre l'Inde et la France ! Long live the French-Indian friendship! भारत और फ्रांस के बीच दोस्ती अमर रहे! pic.twitter.com/f0OP31GzIH - Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2023

On this historic occasion of Bastille Day, joined the parade in Paris. My heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and honour received. pic.twitter.com/0Zk6FwEKbd - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2023

A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade. pic.twitter.com/bh6dwmHFRH - Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2023

Watch | Indian #Rafale fighter jets join the flypast on #BastilleDayParade in France @VishnuNDTV reports pic.twitter.com/My5JwzPCs6 - NDTV (@ndtv) July 14, 2023

#PMModiInFrance | PM Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron Meet Contingent Commanders Of Indian Army, Air Force and Navy pic.twitter.com/APpuRsZUGA - NDTV (@ndtv) July 14, 2023

Amazing images of Indian and French soldiers interacting ahead of the Bastille Day parade. Soldiers of the Punjab Regiment fought and shed blood in Western Europe during the First World War.They are heros here and are honoured participants at the French National Day. #BastilleDay pic.twitter.com/LE5nVicNdk - Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) July 14, 2023

French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on PM Narendra Modi. It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. PM Modi will become the first Indian PM to receive this honour. In the past, the Grand Cross of the Legion of... pic.twitter.com/7nBEcAeDf8 - ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2023

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PM Narendra Modi France Visit Live: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Louvre Museum in Paris to attend the banquet dinner

Wrap-up: Here's all you need to know about Modi's France visit

• PM Modi attended CEO Forum, Paris
• Modi and Macron conducted joint media session

PM Modi calls France an important partner in making India Aatmanirbhar

• Modi met Leena Nair, global CEO of Chanel, Thomas Pesquet, Aerospace engineer and Charlotte Chopin, Yoga practitioner in Paris
• Modi attended Bastille Day Parade
• Indian Air Force's Rafales participate in the flypast at Bastille Day parade in Paris, France

PM Narendra Modi raises a toast to the India-France relations at the Banquet dinner being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron for PM Narendra Modi.

Pm narendra modi to arrive at louvre museum in paris to attend the banquet dinner, pm modi at ceo forum, paris.

— narendramodi (@narendramodi)

PM Modi tweets about his visit to France

This has been an unprecendented and highly successful visit. this visit will guide our partnership for the next 25 years - what the pm calls 'amrit kaal.

- Foreign Secretary VM Kwatra addressing a press briefing on PM Modi's 2-day visit to France

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Narendra Modi's visit to France

— ANI (@ANI)

List of outcomes of PM Narendra Modi's visit to France

• Roadmap of India-France Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
• Issuance of five-year validity short-stay Schengen Visa for Indians who are degree holders from French educational institutions
• Delivery of the 36 Rafale ordered by India
• India and France will extend defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies
• Health Cooperation: India and France agree to intensify their cooperation in the field of health and medicine
• Strengthening energy security to meet climate objectives
• Supporting urban and ecological transitions in India as well as social inclusion

Harmanpreet Kaur to lead Indian women's cricket team in Hangzhou Asian Games

President macron shares photo with pm modi.

— EmmanuelMacron (@EmmanuelMacron)

List of gifts by PM Modi to French officials

• Pochampally Ikat in Sandalwood Box to France's First Lady Brigitte Macron
• Marble Inlay Work Table' to Élisabeth Borne, Prime Minister of France
• 'Silk Kashmiri Carpet' to Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly
• Sandalwood Hand Carved Elephant Ambavari' to Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate

I congratulate you on Bastille Day. This year we are celebrating 25 years of our strategic partnership. Business leaders like you have contributed immensely to this partnership

- PM Narendra Modi at the India-France CEO Forum, in Paris

PM Modi gifts sitar to President Macron

French president emmanuel macron and pm narendra modi arrive to attend india-france ceo forum, in paris, pm modi met france's national assembly president yaël braun-pivet and the senior leadership of the national assembly at her official residence, hôtel de lassay., president macron talks about education for french and indian students, france president macron addresses media in french, pm modi again talks about upi in france, we will discuss cooperation on small and modular nuclear reactors, take our cooperation in nuclear energy forward: pm modi, india and france are together to fight terrorism: pm modi, france will be joining as a partner in development of national museum in india: pm modi, we are working on indo pacific cooperation road map: pm modi, we see france as a natural partner in india's developmental journey: pm modi, pm modi talks about being honored with grand cross of the legion of honour, prime minister narendra modi at élysée palace in paris, prime minister narendra to arrive at élysée palace in paris shortly, pm modi and thomas pesquet, aerospace engineer had a conversation on space in france, list of people pm modi interacted with in france.

• Leena Nair, global CEO of Chanel
• Thomas Pesquet, Aerospace engineer and pilot
• Charlotte Chopin, Yoga practitioner

PM Modi interacts with Global CEO of Chanel, Leena Nair

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Modi at Bastille Day Parade

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PM will hold talks with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture are to be discussed during the visit

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"French President Emmanuel Macron honoured me with his country's highest award yesterday. This is not only a matter of pride for me but also for 140 crore Indians. I express my heartfelt gratitude to French President Macron for this honour," says PM Modi speaking during banquet dinner hosted at Louvre Museum, Paris.

In the past 25 years, the world faced many ups and downs and challenging times, but the friendship between France and India continued to grow deeper. We are contributing not only to the welfare of both countries but also to world peace and security. Our partnership is a force for global good: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi raises a toast to the India-France relations at the Banquet dinner being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron for PM Narendra Modi.

I congratulate the people of France on Bastille Day. It was a matter of happiness and pride for me to celebrate Bastille Day with the people of France. French President Emmanuel Macron conferred me with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. It is a matter of pride and honour for the 140 crore people of India. I thank French President Emmanuel Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron for this honour: PM Modi

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French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi address the banquet dinner.

Macron hosts banquet dinner for PM Modi at Louvre Museum

PM Narendra Modi arrives at Louvre Museum in Paris to attend the banquet dinner; received by French President Emmanuel Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron

PM Narendra Modi to arrive at Louvre Museum in Paris to attend the banquet dinner.French President Emmanuel Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron to welcome him.

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What to expect from PM Narendra Modi’s France visit

PM Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on 14 July. During his two-day France visit, an announcement regarding the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine combat fighter jets for the Indian Navy is likely, besides expanding cooperation in space and technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in France for a two-day visit starting 13 July. The trip comes when New Delhi and Paris are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Indian premier will be the chief guest at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on 14 July. His visit is also expected to usher in a closer partnership between India and France in defence, space and technology.

Let’s take a closer look at what Prime Minister Modi will do in France.

PM Modi’s France visit

The Indian prime minister will be accompanied by a business delegation of top CEOs during his France trip, reported Economic Times (ET).

According to a Hindustan Times (HT) newspaper report, Modi will address the Indian diaspora at La Seine Musicale on Thursday.

Situated on IIe Seguin island in the Seine River, La Seine Musicale is a performing arts centre inaugurated in 2017.

Following the event, French president Emmanuel Macron will host Modi at a private dinner at his official residence at Elysee Palace. The two leaders are likely to hold bilateral talks and discuss crucial global issues during the dinner, the report added.

Next day, Modi will attend the Bastille Day parade on Champs Elysees. Also known as ‘Fête Nationale,’ Bastille Day is France’s national day which is observed every year on 14 July.

This year, a contingent of the Indian Army from the Punjab Regiment and Rajputana Rifles will also march in the parade. The Indian Army had fought in France and Belgium during the First World War.

A contingent from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF) will also participate in the parade. IAF’s Rafale fighters will be a part of the fly-past on Bastille Day, alongside French jets.

Indian Air Force contingent practises in France for the Bastille Day parade on July 14 pic.twitter.com/ECVp3zfJTW — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2023

There will also be delegation-level discussions between the two nations, reported HT.

As per the newspaper, Macron will throw a ceremonial dinner for the Indian leader at Cour Marly courtyard at the Louvre Museum. The French president will also take Modi on a tour of the renowned museum, where the two might get clicked with Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting the Mona Lisa, reported HT.

Modi and Macron will then enjoy a fireworks display over Eiffel Tower from the Louvre museum’s terrace, the report added.

Cooperation in defence, space and technology

Modi’s visit is likely to boost defence cooperation between the two nations. As per ET , India intends to procure 26 Dassault Rafale-Maritime (M) aircraft for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. The Indian leader’s trip could result in the announcement of an agreement between New Delhi and Paris in this regard.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to give a nod to an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) to acquire the fighter jets before the visit, reported ET.

India may also sign a deal for constructing three more French-origin Scorpene (Kalveri) class diesel-electric ‘killer-hunter’ conventional submarines at the Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. India has built five Scorpene-class submarines at MDL. The sixth Kalveri class submarine, INS Vagsheer, might be commissioned next year.

As per ET , a 100 per cent technology transfer for the Shakti engine that powers India’s Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) could be on the agenda of Modi’s visit to France .

An announcement for developing the next-generation fighter jet engine in collaboration with French firm SAFRAN is also likely, reported The Quint.  

The countries could also see cooperation in the space sector.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s National Centre for Space Studies have set up an Indo-French working group for India’s human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. “Discussions on expanding this collaboration are expected. The two leaders are keen on this”, an official told Business Standard (BS).  

India and France could also announce cooperation in 5G and 6G telecommunications systems, noted BS.

According to HT , “India and France will sign a defence-industrial road map to push India to scale up its manufacturing of hardware platforms through indigenously developed engines and technologies.”

With inputs from agencies

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PM Modi's France visit to be 'quite an event': French Envoy Emmanuel Lenain | Exclusive

French ambassador emmanuel lenain told india today that prime minister narendra modi's upcoming visit to france is expected to strengthen defense cooperation, trade ties and bilateral relations. in france, pm modi will be the guest of honour at the bastille day parade..

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In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Foreign Affairs Editor, Geeta Mohan, the French envoy to India, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain set the tone and tenor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to France.

Prime Minister Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade (France's National Day) celebrations on July 14. This is a rare honour, as France does not invite foreign dignitaries as chief guests every year.

Terming it a visit with “maximum impact and maximum outcomes”, Ambassador Lenain highlighted what this visit would mean for both nations. ALSO READ PM Narendra Modi hails India's SAFF Championship triumph

The French Ambassador emphasised the leaps in defence cooperation, which would be visible at the special military parade.

"We're going to have Indian troops marching on the Champs-‰lysées at the beginning of Bastille Day, and we have Indian Rafale participating in the fly past," he said.

While the visit is anticipated to lead to large defence contracts, cooperation in trade, chart out a new course for bilateral ties; the French have made a strong bid for the naval version of the Rafale fighter jets after the induction of 36 air force variants in 2022.

"We've been cooperating with India on aircraft fighters since the 1950s. We provide the best technology to India as a close partner and ally. We also provide maximum content of 'Make in India', so we have made a good offer. The decision is now really in the hands of Indian authorities," said Ambassador Lenain.

According to reports, India is close to approving the purchase of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets that will operate from the flight deck of India’s newest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

He also reaffirmed France's support for India's UNSC membership bid and cooperation in fighting terror. ALSO READ PM Modi's 4-state tour over projects worth Rs 50,000 crore

On the 'Make in India' front, he said that France is going beyond just manufacturing to “co-development”.

AMBASSADOR EMMANUEL LENAIN's CONVERSATION WITH INDIA TODAY

What are the key takeaways that we can expect from Prime Minister Modi's visit to Paris, this time around?

"To begin with, it's a really symbolic visit. We wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. We thought that would be the best symbol. We're going to have Indian troops marching on the Champs-‰lysées at the beginning of Bastille Day, and we have Indian Rafale participating in the fly past."

Will the Indian forces represent themselves from all three wings of the Indian forces?

"Of course."

In terms of takeaways and agreements, what is going to be the focus, this time around?

"It's very wide. The topics of discussion are multifold. There would be definitely new outcomes in terms of strategic, defence and space. We are making progress around nuclear as well. This is, thus, the core of the two countries’ strategic autonomy."

"As I like to call it, stands to be an important aspect of the visit. We're going to be working together on things like energy efficiency, energy transition. We are betting together on the energy of the future. Expect some announcements on hydrogen. We have a roadmap on hydrogen. We will move forward on that. We want to work on R&D, certification, industrial partnerships; and you will see more of that during this visit."

"Also, a lot of people-to-people exchanges can be expected. Our partnership is about people, after all. In the long run, that’s what matters. We expect it to be easier for our Indian friends to come to France and work, study in our country. So, there could be announcements on that front as well." ALSO READ Modi surname case: No coercive action against Rahul Gandhi, rules Jharkhand High Court

Is PM Modi also expected to visit the French President, several political leaders and hold bilateral, informal meetings?

"Of course! Everybody in Paris is excited to have him. He is going to have quite a lot of interactions. There will be discussions with political leaders. He has very good personal chemistry, so there will be one-on-one and larger meetings. We will be able to have exchanges on all sorts of issues, potential partnerships etc."

"We recognise the role of India in international affairs. We want to see more of India. We want to see India in the space of global governance more forcefully. We definitely support and want to see India on the UN Security Council. We praise India for its presidency of the G20 as well, so there's a lot to discuss together."

"PM Modi will also meet senior French politicians and the Indian Diaspora. It is going to be quite an event."

Are riots and protests in France concerning in terms of security?

"Not at all. There are events in France. Now the situation is getting back to normal. There was a shocking incident and just to shed some light on this... the violence is subsiding and it has nothing to do with the visit. We'd be happy to greet Prime Minister Modi, and it will be done with all the panache that we can provide."

After the Air Force, will France win the bid for the naval version of the fighter jets too?

"We would like that. We've been cooperating with India on aircraft fighters since the 1950s. We provide the best technology to India as a close partner and ally. We also provide maximum content of ‘Make in India’ so we have made a good offer. The decision now is really in the hands of the Indian authorities."

Do you see cooperation between the two countries on terrorism?

"We are already doing a lot. Our two countries are committed to fighting the scourge of terrorism. We're doing much to contribute to this cause. We are resolute democracies and we want to fight it with our own instruments. We are carrying forth training and raising awareness on this subject. We're sharing information, training together against this. Your ‘Black Cats’ or NSG boys are training with our sister institution in France."

"We also do a lot in the UN Security Council. We support new names being put on the sanctions committee list. More recently, we've been trying to go to the roots of terrorism and how it's being financed. We were very satisfied to see India hosting the third conference on ‘No Money For Terror’, a process that we launched years ago to fight against the financing of terrorism. India is in the driver’s seat in terms of taking a stand against terrorism and proposing a permanent structure which is a welcome initiative."

The Russia-Ukraine war definitely concerns everybody. Many say it is a European war but one that has a wide-ranging and long-lasting impact.

"It's not just a European war. When the principles of international law and the UN charter are at stake, it becomes a global concern." ALSO READ Eye on 2047, not 2024: PM Modi at Union Council of Ministers’ meeting

Is it something that will be a part of the discussions?

"Yes, each time our leaders meet, they exchange analyses and notes and discuss a definitive way forward with regard to these issues. We know India’s complaints. We respect India's strategic autonomy. We feel exactly the same. All countries should make decisions according to their interests, priorities and principles. We don’t want any interference or pressure from other countries. That is the core of the strategic partnership."

"We discuss a lot and try to find solutions, also to get more room for decision and be more independent in decision making. That is the spirit of our partnership."

What about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific? France will never be a part of the QUAD, quite understandably, because you have stakes in the Indo-Pacific.

"Not really. We are quite pragmatic about that. We believe that challenges in the Indo-Pacific are so important that there will never be enough energy about involvement by like-minded countries who want to support freedom of navigation, the rule of law, the laws of the seas. Everybody should join efforts towards the same cause to be able to progress. Quad is very welcome. We could definitely work with Quad countries on specific initiatives and we also work with India on trilateral cooperation with the UAE, Australia, maybe one day with Indonesia. We work with India on international forum in the region. We very much welcome the initiative by India about IPOI (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative) and we take the lead in one of the pillars of the initiative."

"Everything is quite complementary, there is no competition. When you are a democracy, when you want to support international law, you just have to team up with like-minded countries."

What is the thrust of your national security advisor's visit to Delhi? How much of the focus is going to be on 'Make in India'?

"Yes, ‘Make in India’ is a priority. All our industries have been working on it for years. We have been pioneering 'Make in India' because we understand that India has to build its own defence industry. We respect that. It is part of our DNA. It goes even further. Right now, we've been discussing co-development. New-generation equipment, we feel that, given India's strengths, should definitely collaborate and work together to develop the next generation. In that spirit, some companies are offering to share technology on engines for multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA), next-generation aircraft. Make in India, yes. Even more, co-development to boost India’s autonomy."

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Expert Explains: With PM Modi’s visit, how India-France ties might shape up with a new roadmap for 2047

The french views on foreign affairs, therefore, converge with the indian preference for a multipolar world and strategic independence. how can this aid the two countries' future ties and what have been the outcomes of pm modi's recent visit.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on July 13 and 14, the two countries have agreed to further cooperation in sectors such as defence and outlined a roadmap for the next 25 years of India-France ties. We discussed the larger implications of the visit with Professor Gulshan Sachdeva of the Centre for European Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

This visit marks the 25th year of India and France entering into a strategic partnership. PM Modi described the two countries’ ties as “being in excellent shape”, and that they are “strong, trusted, consistent.” What makes this relationship unique in the way that it has been sustained?

Since 1998, when India’s first-ever strategic partnership was signed with France, both countries have worked closely in almost all multilateral forums, including in the UN Security Council. The convergence has emerged on issues related to reformed and effective multilateralism, international terrorism, Climate Change, sustainable development, and the Indo-Pacific.

Both are situated in different geographies and are at different stages of economic development. But somehow their worldviews seem to have converged. France is an integral part of the European economic and security architecture, which is based on the common economic integration project and trans-Atlantic alliance.

Still, the core of French foreign policy has been national identity and strategic independence. Since Charles De Gaulle, French leadership seems to believe that a strong and united Europe could be used as a tool to improve the French position in world affairs. President Emmanuel Macron intends to make the EU a third pole in global affairs along with the US and China through strategic autonomy and European sovereignty. In 1998, then President Jacques Chirac wanted to resolve India’s exclusion from the global nuclear framework and refrained from imposing economic sanctions as many other countries did.

The French views on foreign affairs, therefore, converge with the Indian preference for a multipolar world and strategic independence. The last 25 years have also seen unprecedented economic growth in the Indian economy. There has also been the rise of an assertive China. Economic and geopolitical factors created tremendous opportunities for both to work together.

A strong institutional mechanism has been established to strengthen cooperation in the areas of defence, space, civil nuclear, renewables, cyberspace, digital technology, counter-terrorism, maritime security, regular defence exercises and the blue economy.

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Both have jointly launched the International Solar Alliance and established trilaterals like India-France-Australia and India-France-UAE. So, a similar worldview and new economic opportunities in India have sustained the partnership in the last 25 years.

In the ‘Horizon 2047’ communique issued after the recent visit, talking about the next 25 years of the relationship, three major areas have been identified: Partnership for security and sovereignty, for the planet and for the people. Why do you think these areas have been selected? The way links have developed over the last quarter century, partnership for security and sovereignty, for the planet and for the people capture the essence and ambition for the next 25 years. France has emerged as the second largest exporter of defence equipment to India in the last ten years. 36 Rafale fighter jets have already been delivered.

A large number of deals including more Rafale jets, submarines, joint development of combat aircraft engines and helicopters are being negotiated and finalised. Some of them may involve joint production and significant technology transfer. This is crucial for India’s defence modernization, diversification of supplies and Make in India project. There is a convergence in security and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific.

As outlined in a separate Indo-Pacific Roadmap, both may align their infrastructure, connectivity and development projects together linking through trilateral cooperation with Australia the UAE or through triangular development cooperation projects. The communique covers the ambitions concerning a low carbon economy. A large number of specific projects in the areas of renewables, circular economy and blue economy are mentioned.

These could be useful for India’s sustainable modernisation and urbanisation. France is a pioneer in civil nuclear energy and has offered to build six nuclear power reactors in Jaitapur.

However, it may not be easy to implement these projects due to changing global energy dynamics, huge costs involved as well as pending technical and legal issues. Initiatives for promoting people-to-people contacts through tourism, collaborations among educational and research institutions as well as businesses are useful. To sustain this partnership in the long run, we may also need robust civil society linkages.

The larger issues that are currently being discussed globally in the short term, relate to the Ukraine -Russia war, in which Europe figures prominently. In the longer term, China’s influence on world affairs, and the lows in its relationship with countries like India and the US are of concern. How can cooperation with France assist India in such a scenario?

Issues concerning Russia and China will continue to influence bilateral ties. For Europe, the major foreign policy challenge at the moment is the Russia-Ukraine war. This is an area where Indian and French perceptions differ. Within Europe, Macron is also being criticised for his softer approach both towards Russia and China as well as his remarks on Taiwan . Although Modi in Paris mentioned that he is ready to contribute to lasting peace in Ukraine, no concrete initiative was outlined.

Many European leaders including Macron have labelled China as a negotiating partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival. Since ‘de-coupling’ from China is not possible, the latest focus is on ‘de-risking’ economic ties with China. Although Europe’s tough policies towards Russia and French ‘mixed-up’ approach towards China will continue to pose challenges to bilateral ties, it may also through new opportunities to work together.

Were there any substantial outcomes seen in the sphere of India and France’s economic ties?

An area which found relatively little space in the communique is trade and investment. For the last few years, India’s trade with France is about $10-12 billion a year. In comparison, our trade with countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam is more than France.

Most large French companies have a presence in India. For the last 25 years, they have invested about $10 billion. India definitely can have better trade and investment ties with a $3 trillion European economy. Negotiations on India-EU trade and investment agreements have re-started. Early conclusion of these agreements may provide a new momentum to economic ties. Knowing the history of these negotiations, however, we really need to redouble our efforts to finalise these agreements.

Some of the new measures announced include raising the number of students who will be admitted to France. Even as a language barrier exists, on what pillars is the growth of people-to-people ties being planned?

Already signed migration and mobility agreement, larger student and professional mobility and improved civil society linkages may help bring India and France further closer. Alliances Françaises’s objective of reaching 50,000 students will help in achieving the new target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. Since language will be a factor in mobility, encouraging French in educational institutions will be crucial.

Multiple visits to France have been made by PM Modi. To what extent can the state of India-France ties be attributed to the present leadership of the two countries, does their bonhomie play a role?

On solid foundations laid by earlier leaders, three Indian Prime Ministers and four French Presidents have contributed to special India-France ties in the last 25 years. PM Modi played a historic role in finalizing the Rafale deal and forcefully articulating the Indo-Pacific narrative, which has made a qualitative difference. Modi-Macron bonhomie has the potential to make it a defining partnership.

(Gulshan Sachdeva is Professor, Centre for European Studies and Coordinator, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Jawaharlal Nehru University)

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Prime Minister’s visit to France and UAE (July 13-15, 2023)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an Official Visit to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13-15 July 2023.

Prime Minister will visit Paris from 13-14 July 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France. Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade on 14 July 2023, where a tri-services Indian armed forces contingent would be participating.

Prime Minister will hold formal talks with President Macron. President Macron will host a State Banquet as well as a private dinner in honour of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of France as well as the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly of France. He will separately interact with the Indian diaspora in France, CEOs of Indian and French companies, and prominent French personalities.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India – France Strategic Partnership, and Prime Minister’s visit will provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation.

Prime Minister will, thereafter, visit Abu Dhabi on July 15. Prime Minister will hold talks with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been steadily strengthening and Prime Minister’s visit will be an opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture. It will also be an opportunity to discuss cooperation on global issues, particularly in the context of UAE’s Presidency of COP-28 of the UNFCCC and India’s G-20 Presidency in which UAE is a Special Invitee.

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PM Modi to visit France and UAE from July 13-15

Modi will visit france at the invitation of president emmanuel macron from july 13-14, and will be the guest of honour at the bastille day parade on july 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from July 13-15 to take forward cooperation with both countries in areas ranging from defence and security to energy.

Modi is visiting France at the invitation of Macron during July 13-14. Being the chief guest at the military parade is considered a signal honour, and the last foreign leader to be invited by France was former US president Donald Trump in 2017. A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent will participate in the parade and three French-origin Rafale combat jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will join a flypast.

Macron and Modi will hold formal talks, and the French president will host a state banquet and a private dinner for the prime minister, the external affairs ministry said.

Modi is also scheduled to meet his French counterpart Élisabeth Borne and the presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora in France, CEOs of Indian and French companies, and prominent French personalities.

People familiar with the matter said several agreements to enhance defence cooperation between India and France are expected to be finalised during the visit, including those for acquiring 26 naval variants of the Rafale combat jet or the Rafale-Marine and three Scorpene-class submarines, and another for joint development of an engine for fighter jets with French aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran.

A roadmap for defence-industrial cooperation is also likely to be finalised during the visit, the people said.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale combat jets. The deal for acquiring these aircraft was finalised during Modi’s visit to France in 2015. The new Rafale M jets are expected to serve on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.

The last of six Scorpene-class submarine ordered earlier for the Indian Navy is expected to be commissioned next year, with the vessel currently undergoing trials. There is expected to be a follow-on order for three more Scorpene submarines that will be fitted with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to allow them to remain submerged for longer.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, and the external affairs ministry said Modi’s visit will “provide an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future across diverse sectors such as strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation”.

From France, Modi will travel to Abu Dhabi in the UAE on July 15, and hold talks with President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership has been “steadily strengthening” and Modi’s visit will be an “opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture”, the ministry said.

The visit will also be an opportunity to discuss cooperation on global issues, particularly in the context of the UAE’s presidency of COP28 and India’s G20 presidency, in which the UAE is a guest country.

Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail

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Prime Minister Modi visit to France

What’s in today’s article?

Why in news, why india-france ties are strong, news summary: prime minister modi’s visit to france, key outcomes.

• The revolution symbolises the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’.
• It is also the anniversary of Fête de la Fédération, an event held in 1790 to celebrate the unity of the French people.
• This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India – France Strategic Partnership . 
• Against this backdrop, the current visit provides an opportunity to chart the course of the partnership for the future.
• The two countries commenced their strategic partnership, India’s first, immediately after India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
• This was at a time when most Western capitals had turned their backs on New Delhi.
• The signing of an agreement for the supply of 36 Rafale aircraft in September 2016, and an industrial agreement in March 2018 to build six European pressurized water reactors (EPR) at the Jaitapur site are directly linked to this partnership.
• While defence deals with the US are dogged by unpredictability due to Congressional interventions and export control regimes, the French deals come with no strings attached.
• the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M (the marine version) fighters for the Indian Navy, and 
• co-production of three more Scorpene class submarines at the public sector Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
• In October 2022, they signed a Road Map on Green Hydrogen, which aims to bring the French and Indian hydrogen ecosystems together.
• Earlier in February 2022, they signed a Road Map on the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance .
• Both India and France value their strategic autonomy, pursue independence in their foreign policies, and seek a multipolar world.
• Both acknowledge the place and importance of the US in the world order.
• Modi and Macron enjoy great personal rapport. India did not let last week’s rioting and violence in Paris come in the way of the Indian PM’s visit. 
• The two countries have had a tradition of not commenting on each other’s internal issues . 
• Macron did not bring up the Manipur, issue or India’s perceived backsliding on human rights and religious freedoms.
• Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor is the reward for outstanding merit acquired in the service of the nation in a civilian or military capacity.
• The joint statement – “ 25th Anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between France and India: towards a Century of Indo-French Relations ” – sets the course for the France-India bilateral relationship in all areas till 2047.
• 100 years of India’s Independence, 
• 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and 
• 50 years of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
• The roadmap for bilateral relations has three pillars : partnership for security and sovereignty; partnership for the planet; partnership for the people .

Image caption: Different Pillars under 25-year vision roadmap

• In 2018, India and France agreed on a ‘ Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’ .
• This will enable joint financing of sustainable development projects in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India and France will work to set up the Indo-French Health Campus for the Indo-Pacific.
• 80% of plastic waste originate from land sources. 
• 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, among which 7 billion tons of waste have been generated. 
• Each year, 400 million tons of plastic are produced, of which one-third are produced for single use products and around 10 million tons are dumped into the ocean.
• In this context, joint commitment aims to eliminate single use plastic products pollution, including ban on single use plastic products which have low utility and high littering potential by France and India.
• It would mean 100 million Euros for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) and 50 million USD for climate projects and women’s empowerment in micro-finance.

Q1) What is Single Use Plastic?

Single-use plastic refers to plastic items that are designed to be used only once before being discarded. These are products that are intended to be used for a short period and then thrown away. Single-use plastics are often used for packaging and convenience purposes due to their low cost, durability, and versatility. Examples of single-use plastic items include plastic bags, food and beverage containers, straws, cutlery, coffee stirrers, plastic bottles, and packaging materials like blister packs and shrink wrap. These items are typically made from materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Q2) What are Scorpene class submarines?

The Scorpene class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines designed and developed by the French shipbuilding company Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS) in collaboration with the Spanish company Navantia. The Scorpene class submarines are known for their stealth capabilities, advanced technology, and versatility.

Source:  Series of pacts sealed as Modi & Macron hold talks in Paris, outline ‘bold, ambitious goals’  |  Ministry of External Affairs  |  MEA

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

Friday, April 19, 2024 5:51 am (Paris)

• French Politics
• Attal government

Gabriel Attal's first 100 days as prime minister, amid turbulent times in France

Appointed to 'regenerate' a stagnant presidential term, the prime minister has intended to focus the European election campaign on his priorities: young people and restoring authority. But polling has predicted a dismal election for his government.

By  Claire Gatinois   (Ottawa, Quebec (Canada), special correspondent)

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Gabriel Attal thoroughly savored the moment, enjoying the standing ovation he received, 5,000 kilometers from his prime minister's office and its attendant crises. Standing in Quebec, just inches from the "throne" – the furniture comprising the podium and chair of the president of the Assemblée nationale du Québec – the French prime minister had just concluded his speech to the local MPs on Thursday, April 11. Speaking in the Assemblée's Salon Bleu, the youngest prime minister of the French Fifth Republic (35 years old) extolled the virtues of the type of secularism at the "heart of our shared identity"; the French language, that must be protected; and an "adventurous" population of young people, that must be fought for. "It is through youth, and always through youth, that we will triumph," he declared, taking on a presidential tone.

Quebec's elected representatives enthusiastically applauded the French prime minister, who, in less than 30 minutes, had attempted to mend the previously strained ties between the two "cousins" with their "intertwined identities," in the words of Quebec Assemblée's president, Nathalie Roy. "I'm well aware that this applause is for France," former French president Nicolas Sarkozy had admitted to the same Assemblée, in February 2009.

On this occasion, Attal wanted to believe in his own success. At the dinner organized a few hours later by his Quebecker counterpart, François Legault, he said that he had been "personally touched" by the Canadian welcome; both in Quebec City and in Ottawa where he had been greeted with ceremonial honors befitting a French president. "You probably don't follow French news very closely, but I don't get such a welcome at the Assemblée Nationale [in France]," he joked, a glass of Quebec's traditional ice cider in hand.

'We'll see in six months'

In Paris, the prime minister has been sailing into a headwind. At the end of his first 100 days in office, the off-kilter state of France's public finances has worried political leaders and limited his room to maneuver. "It's going to end badly," warned Gérard Larcher, president of the Sénat (Les Républicains, LR, right), in an interview with the Le Journal du Dimanche weekend newspaper on April 14. The planned reforms to France's unemployment insurance system and to the status of civil servants have become a source of tension . What's more, week after week, the Rassemblement National (RN, far-right) has confirmed its lead in the polls for the June 9 European elections, dangerously outstripping the presidential coalition's list. His list's downward trend is so pronounced that the socialist left list, led by Raphaël Glucksmann, has begun to believe they can overtake the list led by Renaissance (Macron centrist party) candidate Valérie Hayer, and now dream of winning second place in this election, which is crucial to the political identity of Macron's supporters.

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Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau

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• Canada and France reinforce bilateral ties

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Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, welcomed the Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal, on his first official visit to Canada from April 10 to 11.

United by a common history and a strong relationship, Canada and France share a vision for the future. Our priorities include defending democracy and human rights, promoting the French language and francophone cultures, advancing climate action, and progressing toward net-zero.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Attal deepened the partnership between our two countries. They discussed ongoing progress in the efforts to halt biodiversity loss, the fight against climate change and the transition to a net-zero economy as well as the importance of safeguarding our energy security and advancing the development of critical mineral resources.

Leaders took part in a signing ceremony where both countries agreed to strengthen their relationship on wildfire cooperation, and to renew the France-Canada Partnership on Climate and Environment. The three-year renewal of the Partnership will further strengthen bilateral co-operation to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution around the world.

Recent natural disasters and extreme weather events have devastated communities in Canada and Europe. Considering the growing threat of wildfires to populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems, Canada and France have signed a Declaration of Intent on cooperation on wildfire management to enhance their collaboration in this regard. Lastly, France, joining its European partners under the framework established by the European Union, will purchase two De Havilland firefighting aircraft and is also considering further acquisitions to renew its fleet.

Canada welcomes France as the most recent Partner to join the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. Carbon pricing is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions – and by working together, we can encourage and support more countries to adopt this proven approach to keeping our air clean and fighting climate change.

The prime ministers highlighted the renewal of the partnership agreement between the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the French investment bank Bpifrance to keep supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in both countries. This renewed partnership will create more opportunities for Canadian and French entrepreneurs, and attract investment across Canada, France, and the European Union.

During a bilateral meeting, the Prime Ministers also reaffirmed the value of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement creates good, middle-class jobs, and creates opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.

The two leaders reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The leaders also underscored their condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. The leaders also stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and reiterated their support for lasting peace in the Middle East in the form of a two-state solution. They also expressed their concerns over the ongoing humanitarian, security, and political crises in Haiti.

Finally, the two Prime Ministers concluded the visit with a Joint Statement , sharing the work underway for both countries to deepen collaboration on clean energy and a dynamic economy. Prime Minister Trudeau also took the opportunity to announce that Canada’s Acadie will host the first Franco-Canadian Council of Ministers meeting this year, to continue to strengthen our bilateral cooperation in strategic areas.

"Canada and France share a common vision, including in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of the French language and the Francophonie. As Prime Minister Attal's visit made clear - Canada and France will work together to create good jobs, take climate action, and build a better future for all those who call our countries home." The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• France is a key ally for Canada on the international stage. France is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), G7, and G20, as well as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a founding member of the European Union, and a leading partner in La Francophonie.
• The original Canada-France Climate and Environment Partnership was announced in 2018 to join efforts in support of global momentum for climate and environment action. The Partnership was renewed in 2021, with Canada and France redoubling their efforts.
• The Declaration of Intent in the areas of mutual aid and cooperation for the management of wildland fires formalizes bilateral co-operation on personnel exchange during emergencies, and strengthens strategic co-operation for the management of wildland fires in areas such as research and innovation, data and information sharing, and firefighter training, to advance shared priorities.
• Among all public investment banks who support entrepreneurs around the world, BDC and Bpifrance have a lot in common in terms of the support they offer to SMEs. This makes collaboration between the two institutions very informative and allows for the exchange of best practices to benefit entrepreneurs in both countries.
• While in Ottawa, Prime Ministers Trudeau and Attal attended a ceremony at the Beechwood Cemetery to inaugurate the Amicitia France-Canada Monument, which underscores our unique friendship and commemorates the shared history and values between Canada and France. The Amicitia France-Canada Monument is built on a commemorative site at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario. The Monument recognizes more than four centuries of shared history and values and more than 90 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and France.
• In 2023, France was Canada’s third largest merchandise export market in the European Union, and its twelfth-largest trading partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $12.9 billion.
• In 2023, Canadian exports to France amounted to $4.3 billion, while imports from France totalled $8.6 billion.

Related Product

• Joint Statement by Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Attal

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• Prime Minister of France Gabriel Attal to visit Canada
• Canada-France relations
• Partnership between The Government of the French Republic and The Government of Canada for the Climate and the Environment 2024-2027
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• Amicitia France-Canada

French PM shows support for Quebec's controversial secularism law during Canada visit

Face coverings banned for some quebec workers. in france, they're illegal in public.

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French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal used his visit to Quebec this week to express strong support for the province's model of state secularism even as he claimed to abstain from weighing in on debates over the controversial policy.

And despite his vocal backing of Quebec's secular values, Attal said he did not discuss the matter in meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa this week, insisting his endorsement did not constitute meddling in Canadian politics.

"I believe that my responsibility when I'm abroad and when I speak to politicians, democratically elected, that have chosen this model, my responsibility is to tell them that they are not alone with this model," Attal said alongside Premier François Legault in Quebec City. "Is this interfering in political debates in Canada? I don't think so."

Quebec's secularism policy includes a 2019 law that bars many public sector employees including teachers and judges from wearing religious symbols at work — legislation that critics say discriminates against religious minorities.

Secularism is also a foundational principle for France, where it is illegal to wear face-covering veils in the street. And in his previous post as French education minister, Attal banned long robes in classrooms citing their popularity among Muslim students.

"For us, secularism is above all a freedom," Attal said. "Secularism is what allows everyone to make their choices in good conscience, to be free to believe or not believe, and be free to decide or decide not to practise a religion, to show their attachment and belonging to a religion. Secularism is what allows equality between citizens."

Quebec's secularism law, known as Bill 21, has withstood multiple lawsuits, but its opponents hope to push their case to the Supreme Court of Canada. Earlier this week the English Montreal School Board said it would seek leave to appeal to the country's highest court a decision upholding the law. Meanwhile, the federal government has indicated it would participate in a challenge to the law at the Supreme Court.

Attal said Friday that he sees secularism as a way for governments to guarantee equal treatment of citizens regardless of personal beliefs, and that France shares Quebec's commitment to religious non-affiliation.

Our security shouldn't depend on U.S. elections: French PM

His validation of secularism differed from his noncommittal statement on the issue of Quebec independence.

Attal affirmed Thursday that he supports the long-standing French policy of "non-interference" and "non-indifference" toward Quebec sovereignty. On Friday, he expanded on those comments, saying he prefers to interpret the policy as one of "sensitivity and respect."

"We obviously have to respect Quebec in its capacity to conduct internal democratic and political debates," he said. "I don't want to make a declaration here that would give the impression that I'm taking part in a debate taking place here in Quebec political life."

The French prime minister was scheduled to travel to Montreal Friday afternoon to participate in panels on the economy before he ends his three-day trip to Canada.

Related Stories

• How Quebec's face-covering ban stacks up to laws elsewhere around the globe
• Appeal Court upholds Quebec law that bars teachers, police from wearing religious symbols
• France to study banning face-covering veils

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Situation in Sudan 'probably the most disastrous in the world', says former PM Hamdok

Issued on: 16/04/2024 - 15:38

FRANCE 24 spoke to Abdalla Hamdok, who served as Sudan's prime minister twice after the fall of Omar al-Bashir in 2019. As the war in his country entered its second year, the former premier described the situation as "extremely catastrophic, probably the most serious, disastrous situation in the world today". Yet he expressed hope that the war "will come to an end", noting "some progress" in regional and national efforts towards a political solution. 

Abdalla Hamdok is currently head of the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), a civilian coalition involved in Sudan 's peace negotiations.

He spoke to FRANCE 24 on a grim anniversary. Sudan is now one year into a devastating war between rival military factions: on one hand, the army headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ; on the other, the RSF paramilitary commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

Death toll 'grossly underestimated'

Violent clashes have forced millions to flee and created a humanitarian catastrophe. Nearly 16,000 people have been killed over the past 12 months, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).

"I think this is grossly underestimated. The death toll could be multiples of that," Hamdok asserted. 

"It's a disastrous situation today, but I'm an eternal optimist. I don't think there is a war that can last forever. It will come to an end. We are working on that," the Taqaddum head said. 

"We are seeing gradually some sort of convergence," Hamdok said. Back in January, Sudan's warring parties held unannounced talks in Bahrain . The former premier called this "a step in the right direction, bringing more actors into the process". 

Click on the video player to watch the full interview.

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• Abdalla Hamdok
• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

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Why did Iran attack Israel? What to know about the strikes, U.S. response.

Iran launched a wave of missiles and drones toward Israel late Saturday as regional tensions continued to mount over the war in Gaza . President Biden condemned the attack and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to Israeli security, the White House said. Other allies including Germany, Canada, France and Britain reaffirmed their support for Israel in the wake of the attack while expressing fears that Tehran’s assault could further destabilize the Middle East.

Iranian state media said the missile and drone assault was in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria on April 1.

What happened

• More than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were launched by Iran in the first full-scale military attack on Israel by Tehran. Around 99 percent of the projectiles were intercepted, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israel Defense Forces spokesman.
• Some of the projectiles fell inside Israeli territory, and one damaged a military base in the country’s south, Hagari said. A young girl who was seriously injured in the attack underwent surgery and was moved to the pediatric intensive care unit, according to Israel’s Soroka Hospital.
• Hagari said “a coalition” of countries helped Israel with intercepting the projectiles. The U.S. military helped Israel take down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles, Biden said. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Britain’s Royal Air Force shot down “a number of Iranian attack drones,” while Jordan’s cabinet said it “dealt with” objects that flew through its airspace overnight. France also contributed technological support, Hagari said.
• Tehran’s attack on Saturday was “four-pronged,” according to a report by the state-run Tasnim News Agency, originating from sites in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, called Tehran’s attack “more successful than we had expected” and warned that any retaliation by Israel would draw a more forceful response.
• At a United Nations Security Council meeting Sunday, Iran and Israel traded blame over the recent escalation. Iran’s ambassador said the Iranian attack was a “necessary and proportionate” response to an earlier Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria, while his Israeli counterpart said Iran’s actions “crossed every red line.”

Why did Iran attack Israel?

Iranian media said the attack was in retaliation for an Israeli strike this month on an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria, which killed members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , including senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi.

Hamas expressed support for Iran’s attack on Israel this weekend, calling it a deserved response to the attack in Syria. Officials from the rebel Houthi group in Yemen congratulated Iran while downplaying their own involvement; Hagari said some UAVs and cruise missiles were launched from Yemen.

Israel has carried out strikes in Syria against Iran and its allies for years and throughout its six-month military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. But the April 1 attack stood out both because of its location — in a diplomatic compound, traditionally exempt from hostilities — and because of the seniority of the apparent targets.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promised that his country would avenge the Damascus attack. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres condemned the strike, citing “the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises.”

The Israeli strike also frustrated Washington.

Three U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss security matters said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior defense officials believed Israel should have informed them ahead of time because of the strike’s implications for U.S. interests in the region, The Washington Post reported.

U.S. officials worry about a multifront war breaking out and feared the Damascus strike could lead to attacks on U.S. military personnel based in Iraq, Syria or other parts of the Middle East.

Middle East conflict

How is the United States involved?

U.S. military forces in the Middle East intercepted “dozens” of Iranian drones and missiles, Austin said in a statement, adding that American military forces remain “postured” to protect U.S. troops and support Israel’s defense. He called on Iran to de-escalate tensions and halt attacks on Israel.

“We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel,” the statement said.

Biden, who had directed aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to be sent to the region over the past week in anticipation of an attack, said no U.S. troops or facilities were targeted in the barrage.

“We will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people,” he said.

On Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden communicated to Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu that the weekend’s defensive actions had been an “extraordinary success,” and urged Netanyahu “to think about what that success says all by itself to the rest of the region” when considering next steps.

What is the recent history between Iran and Israel?

Iran has funded attacks on Israel in the decades before Israel’s war in Gaza that began Oct. 7, and its proxies have stepped up strikes in the months since.

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanon-based armed group, has been firing rockets into Israel since the start of the war. Iran also supports Houthi rebels by smuggling weapons to Yemen, allowing the Houthis to prolong a deadly campaign of violence against commercial shipping.

Israel and Iran have been waging a covert war of assassinations and sabotage for years, The Post has reported .

More recently, Iran accused Israel of killing Brig. Gen. Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a senior adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a missile strike in Syria in December. Israel declined to comment on this accusation.

Israel’s main focus for attacks in Iran has been the country’s nuclear program, which Israel has tried to undermine for years, The Post reported .

In 2021 Iran blamed Israel for an electrical blackout at Iran’s nuclear facilities, and more than a decade ago when a computer virus targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure, the malware was suspected to be developed by Israel and the United States.

Kareem Fahim and Suzan Haidamous contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

• Why did Iran attack Israel? What to know about the strikes, U.S. response. April 15, 2024 Why did Iran attack Israel? What to know about the strikes, U.S. response. April 15, 2024
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