France bestows highest award, ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour” on PM Modi; India set to acquire 26 Rafale naval jets
By IAR Desk
New Delhi: France on Thursday, July 13, bestowed its highest award, ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is 9n a two day official visit to that country.
It is the highest French honour in military or civilian orders. With this, PM Modi becomes the first Indian PM to receive this honour.
PM Modi thanked French President Macron for the honour on behalf of the people of India. The award ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace where Macron hosted PM Modi for a private dinner.
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honour on behalf of the people of India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in the statement.
The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport on his arrival. He was welcomed by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne at the airport.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, India announcedthat it will be procuring 26 Rafale Marine aircraft and three more Scorpene submarines from France for Indian Navy. This is a major boost to the strategic partnership and deepening ties between the two countries in the defence and security sector.
The decision to approve the procurement was made during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The acquisition is expected to significantly boost Indian Navy’s operational capabilities
“The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA),” said a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
With inputs from ANI
