India’s PM Modi Receives Coveted French Honor from President Macron
Indian Prime Minister Modi Awarded France’s Highest Honour by President Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the grand cross of the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour), the highest grade of France’s order of merit, at the start of Bastille Day celebrations. The honour reflects the deepening ties between France and India, as the two nations mark 25 years of strategic partnership.
Accepting the award “with great humility,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted that it was an honour for all 1.4 billion residents of India. In a speech to Indians living in France, Modi referred to Macron as his “friend” and emphasized that the close ties between the two nations were a reflection of unwavering friendship.
The award ceremony follows India’s announcement of plans to procure an additional 26 French-made Rafale fighter jets and three more Scorpene-class submarines. This move highlights India’s growing military cooperation and economic partnership with France, as Western democracies seek to strengthen ties with India as a counterweight to China.
Despite differences on certain issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine and human rights concerns in India, Western democracies view India and Prime Minister Modi as important partners. Macron described India as “a giant of world history” with a decisive role in shaping the future.
The Bastille Day celebrations this year have a more subdued tone due to recent riots in Paris following the fatal police shooting of a teenager. Some towns have canceled firework displays out of fear of violence. However, the main Paris fireworks display is expected to proceed, with Macron and Modi in attendance after a banquet at the Louvre Museum.
While the diplomatic courting of Modi continues, a resolution from the European Parliament serves as a reminder of criticism surrounding his Hindu nationalist agenda. The resolution called on India to address violence in northeastern Manipur state and protect minorities. It also expressed concern about the nationalistic rhetoric of the local state government, led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
Honouring Modi at Bastille Day has drawn criticism from some quarters, who see it as an affront to India’s minority communities, journalists, and human rights defenders. However, Modi highlighted India’s economic performance and its role as a model of diversity in his speech to the Indian community in France, emphasizing the country’s growing influence on the global stage.
