PM Modi in France: In a proud moment, the Indian military contingent took part in the Bastille Day parade on Friday and marched to the tune of ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’, even as the Indian Air Force (IAF) flypast over the Champs-Élysées. Rafale fighter jets were also praised. ,
#Watch , The Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army marches along the Champs-Élysées during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, France. The team is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. pic.twitter.com/PV24VTgHHo
— ANI (@ANI) 14 July 2023
The annual Bastille Day parade in Paris witnessed a remarkable display of strength and history as Indian soldiers made their mark at the prestigious event. Led by the Punjab Regiment, the Indian Navy and Air Force also enthralled the audience with their impressive march. Captain Aman Jagtap led the Punjab Regiment, while Commander Vrat Baghel commanded the Indian Navy contingent, and Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy led the Indian Air Force contingent.
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The guest of honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the event and took the salute of the Indian contingent marching along the famous Champs-Élysées. The moment became even more memorable when the Rafales of the Indian Air Force kept waving in the sky and the spectators were left in awe of their aerial prowess.
French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, were among the dignitaries present at the Bastille Day military parade. French fighters leading the flypast left a trail of smoke in the colors of the French national flag, turning the sky over the Champs-Élysées red, blue and white.
Both Indian and French armies marched to the beat of trumpets and drums, creating a cordial atmosphere. Macron received a guard of honor upon his arrival, setting the stage for a grand military parade.
Before the parade began, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron shared a warm hug, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries. To mark the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, the venue was decked up in vibrant colors of the French flag during the Bastille Day Parade at the Champs-Élysées.
The Bastille Day parade is of great significance as it marks the anniversary of the historic storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 during the French Revolution. A total of 6,300 soldiers from various marching contingents participated in this year’s parade, including India’s tri-services contingent. Army, Navy and Air Force.
Representing the Indian Army, the Punjab Regiment showcased its rich heritage. Having participated in both the World Wars, the regiment has been awarded 18 Battle and Theater Honors in the first war.
In World War I, he played a key role in the offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915. In addition, the regiment won 16 Battle Honors and 14 Theater Honors in World War II, adding to their illustrious history.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense in a press release said, “The Indian Army contingent comprising 77 marching personnel and 38 band members is led by Captain Aman Jagtap. The Indian Navy contingent is led by Commander Vrat Baghel and the Indian Air Force contingent is led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force will also be a part of the flypast during the parade.
It said, “The army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army. The soldiers of the regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as in post-independence operations.