At a colourful ceremony this morning, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, France. An Indian contingent participated in the parade, and was the first contingent to march past the dignitaries on the saluting stand at the Place de la Concorde.

In remarks after the parade, the Prime Minister noted the particular honour that this represented, and spoke of the global significance of Bastille Day, and the ideals of the French Revolution of liberty, equality and fraternity.

Thereafter the PM attended a working lunch given in his honour by the President of France, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy. Subsequently, at a brief appearance, President Sarkozy introduced the Prime Minister as Chief Guest to thousands of people gathered at the Elysee Palace National Day reception.

The leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between India and France. India and France are strategic partners and bilateral cooperation extends to education, health, defence, space, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and several other fields. Relations have developed rapidly in recent years. In recognition of the closeness and intensity of these ties, an annual leadership summit has now become the norm. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the steady deepening, broadening and development of the relationship. There is a strong convergence of interest on threats posed by terrorism and measures to counter it. The leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the area. They also expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the civil nuclear energy and space cooperation and wide ranging defence cooperation.

The Prime Minister reiterated the invitation to President Sarkozy to visit India. The President accepted the invitation and indicated that he hopes to visit India soon.

The Prime Minister will be leaving Paris for the NAM Summit in Sharm al Shaikh in Egypt later today.