Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of the Bastille Day Parade, which will be the highlight of the French National Day celebrations on Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit to France, was presented with several gifts — with historical and cultural linkages — by French President Emmanuel Macron during the private dinner on Thursday.
'Humbled' at being conferred with France's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was an "honour for the 140 crore people of India".
Ahead of the French National Day celebrations, President Emmanuel Macron on Friday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi stated, "I thank President @EmmanuelMacron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Élysée Palace this evening."
"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honour on behalf of the peopl
"The leaders discussed furthering cooperation in various areas such as economic and trade, energy, environment, education, mobility, railways, digital public infrastructure, museology and people to people ties," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.
PM Narendra Modi arrived at Elysee Palace in Paris for dinner on Thursday evening. He was received by French President Emmanuel Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron.
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.