What it means for India to be guest of honour at Bastille Day

From the editor’s desk

By Rabindra Mukherji

It is a matter of pride and satisfaction for Indians and those of Indian origin across the world that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade in Paris as the guest of honour. It is not very often that France invites world leaders to become their guests of honour; so in that respect it was a rare honour for any world leader, more so for one from a developing country. And France as a country in the modern era has paved the way for building the foundations of democracy and nation states. The French revolution became an inspiration for many countries of the world, first in Europe, then in Asia and Africa, who endeavoured and most of the times successfully in imbibing the spirit of democracy, equality, liberty and freedom by ensuring everyone gets equal rights. The history of France from an absolute monarchy to a democracy was full of ups and downs with hurdles every inch of the way. But France and its people have never given up their democratic values. This country produced philosophers who impressed upon the masses to yearn for and achieve nation states based on democratic principles.

While France influenced Europe and it still does, the values of democracy which this country espouses also inspired the countries from other continents. India’s own struggle for freedom was the outcome of the inspiration its leaders received after reading the French philosophers and having witnessed the struggle and the yearning of French people for democracy. And it is not that the challenges for France are over. Religious fanaticism continues to raise its ugly hood in France with violence being one of its outcomes, as is evident in recent times. Similarly, India has also had to face fanaticism and terrorism in different forms. Therefore both countries understand very well the domestic challenges in their respective countries.

It was a right decision on the part of the French government to invite Indian Prime Minister Modi to be the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade. India has its own Republic Day parade, and it knows how important it has been for the country to win freedom from the foreign yoke, and doubly so for the country to become a Republic and a parliamentary democracy. Parades of the scale that take place in both India and France are not just about the show of strength or a bid to catch the eyeballs, it is more so to assert the sovereignty of respective countries, and an endeavour to send across the world the message that both India and France share common sentiments regarding peace, stability and sustainable development in all areas of humanity.

In inviting Modi to attend the Bastille Day celebrations, and by conferring him with the highest civilian award, France has recognized India and its leadership as the promoters of democracy. Lobbies that work across the world to taint India and its leadership as posing a threat to democracy have now fallen flat in the light of what India has been doing for its people, as also for the international community. India and its leadership have always been for democracy, and global brotherhood. France understands and recognizes it. And both India and France have always worked towards ensuring they have inclusive economic growth. Therefore modern politics and diplomacy at all levels work when they are backed by strong defence and trade relations. In this regard India-France have inked strong defence agreements and trade has flourished in other areas also, though there is still room for more improvements and possibly work towards a free trade agreement in future, which will be in the interest of both the countries. Appreciating the call of history, as the Indian Prime Minister is good at, Modi in his recent visit to France exhorted the business leaders of both countries to work towards giving a momentum to the journey of friendship between the two countries. This was said when the Indian Prime Minister was addressing the India-France CEO forum along with French President Emmanuel Macron. Acknowledging the contribution of the business leaders of the two countries in strengthening bilateral relations, Modi said that they should work for accelerating and strengthening, what he called “this great journey of the two nations”. Modi and Macron agree that governments of both countries are committed to extending full support to business leaders of both countries. This accurate reading of the historic opportunity that is being presented by the modern era and in implementing the resolve to fortify bilateral relations between India and France augur well for future generations. The strong foundations have been laid, what remains is to take the relationship forward by adhering to the core values which both countries share.

Significantly, French President Emmanuel Macron, in welcoming India as the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations, hailed the country as “a giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend”. And as always, responding with the spirit of India as a country that values the spirit of trust and friendship, the Indian Prime Minister responded saying, “1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner.”

Besides attending the Bastille Day Parade, Modi and Macron were in business on July 14 as they announced important defence deals, including India’s procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters to operate off the aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines from France. Also, what has now become an important part of all Modi’s foreign visits, and that is to address the Indians living there or having gone their temporarily to study. Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community at LA Seine Musicale in Paris, Modi announced that Indian students pursuing a Master's degree in France will now be given a five-year longterm post-study visa. This is a gift for the Indian community in France, just as he brought similar gifts for Indian community in Australia, and convenient visa arrangements for the Indian community in the US.

And Modi has never been short of showering praises on Indian communities everywhere regarding their contribution to the country they are residing in, as also their contribution to build a strong foundation between India and the country they are residing in. This time the Indian Prime Minister praised the Indian community in France, and rightly so. It is always the Indian Diaspora that leads the way towards building strong relations between the country they are residing in and contributing to, and the country of their origin. It is significant to note that nearly 65,000 immigrants from India are currently residing in France.