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In a hall lit in red, white and blue, Delhi’s diplomatic and social community celebrated Bastille Day (July 14) with much fanfare. As cupcakes and tarts made the rounds, the sounds of French percussion and an Iranian brass ensemble announced the arrival of giant Rajasthani puppets . Brightly lit camels and elephants made their way through the hall, drawing smiles and gasps from the crowd.

‘The strength of any partnership lies in its people
The evening featured a dynamic video mapping by French artists, first showcased at the Gateway of India in Mumbai during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India. In his address, Thierry Mathou, French ambassador, said, “The strength of any partnership lies in the connections between its people. Whether they are students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists or innovators, these are the women and men who bring our partnership to life every day, and must understand and inspire one another.” He also announced that India will host the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society for the first time this autumn in Mumbai.

‘India-France partnership built on mutual trust, shared values’

In keeping with the evening’s theme, India- France Year of Innovation, chief guest Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, traced the history of India- France diplomatic ties. She said, “Bastille Day is historic because it commemorates the ideals that changed the course of human history – liberty, equality and fraternity. And these did not remain confined to France – they travelled across oceans and formed an honoured home here in the ethos of the Indian Constitution, intrinsically binding our two provinces together. So, the relationship between India and France is an enduring partnership, built from the foundation of mutual trust, economy and shared values.”