The French National Day, or Fête Nationale Française, is observed on July 14. As the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789 during the French Revolution, it is also known as Bastille Day. Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, has been invited to attend the Bastille Day Parade in France this year as the Guest of Honour. A 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces will march alongside their French counterparts in the parade. Today, the group departed for France.
Since World War 1, the Indian and French Armies have cooperated. Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the conflict; nearly 74,000 died fighting in the muddy trenches and another 67,000 were injured. On French territory, Indian troops fought bravely as well. Their bravery, chivalry, and heroic sacrifice not only stopped the enemy but also made a substantial difference in the war’s outcome. A staggering 2.5 million Indian soldiers participated in World War 2 and made a substantial contribution in many theatres of the conflict in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The French battlefields were also featured in this. In these battles, the Indian troops showed their courage, which was duly acknowledged with the presentation of multiple gallantry awards.
Both nations are commemorating 25 years of their strategic partnership this year. Both nations’ forces have been working together on drills and exchanging information. India and France have developed into dependable defense allies over time.
Captain Aman Jagtap is in charge of the 38 band musicians and 77 marching members of the Indian Army contingent. Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy is in charge of the Indian Air Force presence, while Commander Vrat Baghel is in charge of the Indian Navy contingent. The Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter jets will also take part in the fly-by during the parade.
One of the oldest regiments in the Indian Army, the Punjab Regiment, is representing the Army contingent. The Regiment’s soldiers have taken part in both World Wars and activities after independence. They received 18 Battle and Theatre Honours during World War I. Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Palestine, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Damascus, and France were among the places where the brave warriors battled. They participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915, gaining the Battle Honours “Loos” and “Flanders and France.” They received 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours during World War II.
The troop is being accompanied by the Rajputana Rifles Regiment Band. The unit is the Indian Army’s senior-most rifle unit. The majority of its battalions have a distinguished past. In many different theatres around the world, they have participated in some of the fiercest fights. They have made outstanding contributions during both World Wars. The battalions of the Regiment participated in battle in every theatre where the Indian Army was deployed during World War II. Prior to independence, they received six Victoria Crosses. In 1920, the Regiment’s band was formed at Nasirabad, Rajasthan.