Bastille Day 2023: ‘Proud to march with Indian forces,’ says French contingents

livemint.com:

Narendra Modi. As reporte by ANI, Prime Minister Modi has received a special invitation as the Guest of Honour for the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day. The focal point of the celebrations is the Bastille Day parade, a spectacle that commemorates the historic event of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 during the French Revolution.

This grand parade showcases France's rich heritage and military heritage. Amidst the resounding beats of pipes and drums, the Champs Elysees reverberated with the disciplined footsteps of military contingents during the rehearsals for the grand parade. In a significant gesture, France has bestowed the honor of guest of honor at the parade upon India this year.

Senior officials from the Indian Tri-service are currently present in Paris, actively participating in the rehearsals for the momentous event. Thierry, a Colonel in the French Air Force said, "When my troops and I will be working, we will have a look at your Prime Minister and our French President (on Bastille Day Parade). This is a very high-emotion instance because we are about 30 meters away from them...

So it's very impressive." Captain Anthony who serves with the Guerrilla Warfare training centre told ANI that he is proud to welcome Indian forces and looks forward to marching with them on Bastille Day. Indian and French Air Force Rafales are practising over the Parisian skies to achieve perfect synchronisation for the upcoming July 14 Parade. "But for the wings, we would have been closer !" #IAF & French Air Force Rafales practise over the Parisian skies to achieve perfect synchronisation for the upcoming #BastilleDay Parade," Indian Air Force tweeted.