New Delhi : On Wednesday, before the Bastille Day parade to be held in France on July 14, Indian Army soldiers spread their wings with the fighter aircraft Rafale. However, during this parade, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will also be present as a special guest. According to media reports, the Indian and French Air Force practiced with Rafale before the Bastille Day parade in Paris, France. Indian Navy Commander Prateek Kumar said that it is a great feeling not only for the Armed Forces but for the whole of India that we have represented the French Government in the Bastille Day Parade for the prestigious event. We are happy that we are here as part of the tri-services contingent of Army, Navy and Air Force. Army band will also march past in the parade.
March to the tune of ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara’
A statement issued by the Indian Air Force on Wednesday said that before the Bastille Day parade to be held on July 14, the Indian and French Air Force practiced in the sky with Rafale. The Indian Air Force said that the Indian Tri-Services contingent in Paris conducted a practice session in France for the Bastille Day Parade on 14 July. During this, the team marched to the tune of ‘Saare Jahan se Accha Hindostan Hamara’.
Why is Bastille Day Parade celebrated in France?
Let us tell that in France, Bastille Day is also known as ‘Fête Nationale Française’ or National Day. The fort of the Bastille was attacked during the French Revolution on 14 July 1789. Bastille Day is celebrated as a memory of that attack. This time, on the occasion of Bastille Day, a contingent of 269 soldiers from all three wings of the Indian Army will be seen marching along with the French forces in the army parade. Mutual contact between the armies of India and France continues since the First World War. Lakhs of Indian soldiers took part in this war. Of these, about 74,000 soldiers fought in muddy trenches.
India-France strategic partnership completes 25 years
According to a media report, this year India and France are celebrating the completion of 25 years of their strategic partnership. Before the Bastille Parade of France, the armies of both the countries are participating in joint exercises and are also sharing their experiences. Over the years, India and France have become reliable defense partners. The Indian Army contingent also includes 77 marching soldiers and 38 band members.
PM Modi will be the special guest
Let us inform that the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has been invited as a special guest for the Bastille Day parade to be held on July 14 in Paris, the capital of France. The contingents of all the three wings of the Indian Army have been included in the parade organized on the occasion of Bastille Day, the national day of France. When the rehearsal march was taken out in Paris on July 9, the Indian Army soldiers were warmly welcomed by the administrative officials and local dignitaries present there.