Paris- French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the prestigious Legion of Honour award upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Bastille Day celebrations in France. The ceremony took place on Friday, July 14, with both leaders witnessing the joint parade of French and Indian troops on the iconic Champs-Elysées avenue. In a statement released by the presidency, President Macron awarded Prime Minister Modi the grand cross of the Légion d'Honneur as a tribute to his instrumental role in fostering the strong bond of friendship and trust between France and India. Modi expressed his humility and gratitude for receiving the honor, tweeting in French, "It is with great humility that I accept the Legion of Honour grand cross. It is an honor for the 1.4 billion residents of India." He extended his heartfelt thanks to President Macron and the people of France, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The Legion of Honour, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is bestowed upon both military personnel and civilians for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the nation. Comprising five grades, ranging from chevalier to the grand cross, the award holds immense significance in recognizing exceptional service to the country. The decision to honor Prime Minister Modi signifies the deepening ties between France and India, as they celebrate 25 years of a strategic partnership. During the Bastille Day festivities, India's defense ministry announced its intention to acquire an additional 26 French-made Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines, cementing a multi-billion euro deal. It should be noted that India already acquired 36 Rafales, with three of them participating in the parade over Paris on the special occasion. In a speech addressing the Indian community in France, Prime Minister Modi referred to President Macron as his "friend," highlighting the strong personal connection between the leaders as a reflection of the unwavering friendship shared by India and France. In response, President Macron praised India as a "giant of world history" that plays a decisive role in shaping the global future. Despite the festive celebrations, security remains a top priority. In light of the rioting that followed the fatal police shooting of a teenager in a Paris suburb, the government has taken precautions to ensure a peaceful event. Approximately 45,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide, and the sale of fireworks has been banned. Some towns have even canceled their traditional firework displays, and transportation services in the Paris region will stop running at 10:00 pm.

However, among the diplomatic courting and festivities, there have been criticisms regarding human rights issues. The European Parliament's resolution urged India to address violence in northeastern Manipur state and protect minorities residing there. The clashes between the majority Hindu Meitei and the predominantly Christian Kuki tribe have resulted in casualties and displacement, raising concerns about the "nationalistic rhetoric" of the local state government led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Nonetheless, the honoring of Prime Minister Modi and the deepening strategic partnership between France and India reflect a strong commitment to bilateral cooperation and shared values. As the celebrations continue, the two nations look forward to a promising future of mutual progress and collaboration.
Note: The information in this article is based on events that occurred on Friday, July 14, 2023 during France's Bastille Day celebrations.