Modi's Bastille Day appearance highlights strengthening India-France ties amid human rights concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended France's Bastille Day parade as a guest of honor, emphasizing growing cooperation between the two countries.
India has agreed to purchase additional French fighter jets and submarines, boosting France's presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
France sees strategic value in cultivating its relationship with India, viewing the country as an ally to balance China's influence.
Despite celebrating shared democratic values, France did not publicly address activists' concerns over threats to rights and freedoms under Modi's Hindu nationalist government.
Heightened security measures were in place for Bastille Day celebrations following recent violent protests over inequality and discrimination in France.