Tanks, fighter planes, missile launchers, regiments in full uniform, cavalry on camels... Emmanuel Macron attended a colorful military parade in New Delhi on Friday, against the backdrop of strengthening the industrial and defense partnership between France and India.
Previously, the Head of State had first gone up the main avenue leading to India Gate, the Arc-de-Triomphe in the heart of New Delhi, in a carriage pulled by six horses and a guard of honor in great pageantry for the Indian Constitution Day, which came into force on January 26, 1950, two years after independence.
But in the background, France is eyeing new contracts with the fifth economy in the world in the field of defense or even with nuclear reactors.
The flight of a French Rafale during this parade is a sign.
Paris, like other Western powers, knows that India is seeking to reduce its dependence on Russia, which equips 60% of its army, notably with Sukhoi-30 fighters.
The country has already purchased 36 French Rafales and is in negotiations to acquire 26 more.
Declaration of Intent for Satellite Launches
It also wishes to consolidate its defense industrial base through joint ventures with French groups, from Dassault to the missile maker MBDA, synonymous with technology transfers.
From aeronautics to autonomous vehicles and cyber defense, a roadmap has been concluded to produce more together in India, announced the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, the two countries, which have cooperated for 60 years in the space field, also signed a declaration of intent for satellite launches.
However, by appearing alongside the Indian Prime Minister, President Macron is also singled out by human rights organizations who denounce the authoritarian excesses of the Indian regime and the repression of religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
The case of French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, threatened with expulsion for articles deemed “malicious”, was also included in the visit.
The new Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné was to discuss the subject with his Indian counterpart.