INVC NEWS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a tour of France on 14 July. This time he is going to France on the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. He is going to attend the Bastille Day Parade to be held here at the Elysee Palace as the chief guest. This year the Bastille Day parade will also be a symbol of the valor of Indian soldiers in World War I and II. For the first time in 107 years, a contingent of the Indian Army will march with French soldiers in Paris during the Bastille Day parade. This historic occasion will be a moment in military history to acknowledge the valor and bravery displayed by Indian soldiers.
Bastille Day is also known as Fête Nationale Française or National Day in France. During the French Revolution of 14 July 1789, the Bastille fort was attacked on this day. This day is celebrated as the memory of that attack. This time in the military parade, a contingent of 269 soldiers from the three Indian armies will be seen marching along with the French forces. Mutual contact between the armies of India and France has been going on since the First World War. Lakhs of Indian soldiers took part in this war. About 74,000 of these soldiers fought in muddy trenches. These soldiers never returned again. While the rest 67,000 soldiers were injured.
Indian soldiers fought very bravely on French soil as well. His courage, valor and supreme sacrifice not only thwarted the enemy, but also contributed significantly in winning the war. After this, in the Second World War, more than 2.5 million Indian soldiers had contributed significantly in different areas of the war from Asia to Africa and Europe. This year both the countries are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership. The armies of both the countries are participating in joint exercises and are also sharing their respective experiences. Over the years, India and France have become reliable defense partners.
The Indian Army contingent also includes 77 marching soldiers and 38 band members. It is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. The Indian Navy contingent is led by Commander Vrat Baghel while the Indian Air Force contingent is led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force are also participating in the fly past during the parade. The army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army. The soldiers of this regiment have participated in both the world wars as well as in several operations conducted after independence. He was awarded 18 war story and theater honors in the First World War. The gallant soldiers of this regiment have fought in many battles in Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Palestine, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Damascus and France.
