Paris: On first day of Prime Minister Narendra Modis French visit, he highlighted the growing presence of foreign players in India. Further, he emphasized on the rising popularity of football team captain, Kylian Mbappe’s rising popularity among Indian fans.

Mbappe has become one of the most popular football players following his domination in the French League and on the international level. His World Cup hat trick against Argentina in the World Cup 2022 boosted his popularity throughout the world.

PM Modi tweeted to thank the President Macron for hosting him. “I thank President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Macron for hosting me at the Elysee Palace this evening”, tweeted PM Modi.

Today, at around 1:30PM, PM Modi will witness the Bastille Day Parade and also meet with Indian contingent along with French President. Further, he shall join French President for the French National Day in Paris as the Guest of Honour. An Indian tri-services contingent will be a part of the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion.

Four French Presidents and three Indian Prime Ministers have nurtured the relationship over the last two and a half decades. Manmohan Singh was the chief guest of Bastille Day at 2009 Parade when Nicolas Sarkozy was the French President, which opened with Indian tri-services personnel marching to Saare Jahan Se Achha and Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja.