New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday said that the civilian riots in Paris will not impact Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, adding that the recent weeks of unrest was the internal matter of the country, news agency ANI reported. “The riots in Paris is their internal matter. From our perspective, we do not see any impact on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. We have never had any doubt right throughout the course and we have been preparing for it completely,” ANI quoted Kwatra as saying.
The Prime Minister is visiting France on July 13 and 14 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Talking about France-India relations, the foreign secretary said, “India and France have a long-standing strategic partnership. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership. There are several pillars of our strategic partnership which includes security, space, engagement in the civil nuclear domain, technology partnership, cyber security, climate change, international solar alliance and many others.”
“Major ceremonial part of the visit will start from July 14. PM Modi will participate in the French National Day celebration- Bastille Day. This is a very special gesture extended by France to PM Modi. A large tri-services contingent from India will also participate in the Bastille Day Parade,” Kwatra added.
He said PM Modi and the French President share a very warm and personal strong equation and his upcoming visit will set new benchmarks for the strategic partnership between the two nations for the years ahead, ANI reported.
He also informed that after his France visit, PM Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates on July 15 and meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
PM Modi's France Schedule (Paris Local Time)
1230hrs - Arrival in Paris
1605hrs - Meeting with President of Senate
1715hrs - Meeting with PM of France
1935hrs - Community Event at La Seine Musicale
2100 hrs - Private Dinner hosted by President Macron