PM Modi In France: In a proud moment, the Indian military contingent on Friday participated at the Bastille Day Parade and marched to the beats of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ even as a compliment of Rafale fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) flypast over the Champs-Elysees.
#WATCH | Indian Army's Punjab Regiment march along the Champs-Élysées during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, France. The contingent is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. pic.twitter.com/PV24VTgHHo
— ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2023
The annual Bastille Day Parade in Paris witnessed a remarkable display of strength and history as Indian troops left their mark on the prestigious event. Led by the Punjab Regiment, the Indian Navy and Air Force followed suit, captivating the audience with their impressive march. Captain Aman Jagtap led the Punjab Regiment, while Commander Vrat Baghel commanded the Indian naval contingent, and Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy led the Indian Air Force contingent.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Guest of Honour, graced the event and took the salute from the Indian contingent as they marched along the renowned Champs-Elysees. The moment turned even more memorable as the IAF Rafales streaked across the sky, leaving the onlookers in awe of their aerial prowess.
French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, was among the dignitaries present at the Bastille Day Military Parade. The French fighters, leading the flypast, left behind a trail of smoke in the colors of the French national flag, turning the skies of Champs-Elysees into a spectacle of red, blue, and white.
Both the Indian and French troops marched to the beats of trumpets and drums, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Macron received the Guard of Honour upon his arrival, setting the stage for the grand military parade.
Before the parade commenced, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron shared a warm embrace, symbolizing the strong bond between the two nations. The Bastille Day parade at Champs-Élysées also witnessed the venue adorned in the vibrant colors of the French flag, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.
The Bastille Day Parade holds great significance as it marks the anniversary of the historic storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. This year’s parade featured a total of 6,300 soldiers from various marching contingents, including a tri-services contingent from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Representing the Indian Army, the Punjab Regiment showcased their rich legacy. Having participated in both World Wars, the Regiment has been honored with 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first war.
In World War One, they played a significant role in the offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915. Furthermore, the Regiment achieved 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours in the Second World War, adding to their illustrious history.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence, in a press release, stated, “The Indian Army contingent comprising of 77 marching personnel and 38 members of the Band is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. Indian Navy contingent is being led by Commander Vrat Baghel and the Indian Air Force contingent is by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. The Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also form part of the flypast during the parade.”
It added, “The Army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.”
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