Emmanuel Macron awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guest of honor on July 14, with the Legion of Honor, we learned from the Elysee on Friday.
“This decoration pays homage to the Prime Minister’s role in the excellent relationship of friendship and trust that unites France and India.”added the French Presidency.
The Indian Prime Minister is to be present with Emmanuel Macron on Friday morning at the military parade on the Champs-Elysées.
sequel after announcement
With great humility I accept the cross of the Legion of Honor.the highest distinction a French president can confer, Narendra Modi responded on Twitter. I thank President Emmanuel Macron, the government and the French people for this gesture. It shows their deep affection for India and their determination to foster friendship with our nation.”he added.
“strategic partner”
The insignia of the Cross of the Legion of Honor was awarded to Narendra Modi on Thursday night during a reception at the Elysee Palace.
In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also awarded the Grand Legion of Honor.
Paris and New Delhi celebrate the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year, which France aims to strengthen in order to influence the Asia-Pacific region, although NGOs have accused India of authoritarian drift.
sequel after announcement
India will have a crucial role in our future, as it is also a strategic partner and a friendly country.Macron said Thursday evening during a speech to the armies.
The visit is an opportunity to discuss terms and conditions for the purchase of 26 new Dassault Aviation Rafales in the naval version of India’s aircraft carrier, as well as three submarines, an acquisition approved by New Delhi on Thursday.
“Fascist despot”
The left criticized this visit made “Highlights the fascist tyrant”According to the head of the Socialists, Olivier Faure, the leader of La France Insoumise, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, denounced an agreement between two leaders “Both are characterized by authoritarian violence.”.
Since Modi’s party came to power in 2014, India It continued to backtrack in its struggle against poverty, against inequality, as well as in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms.Environmentalists commented, referring to ‘Big political mistake’ From Emmanuel Macron. Narendra Modi party It is a Hindu nationalist political movement on the far right of the Indian political spectrum.they added.
Emmanuel Macron presented several leaders with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor during official visits to France. And he was subjected to severe criticism when he granted it in 2020 to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
