French National Day Celebrations, 14th July 2012

Bread created by the Embassy pastry chef.

The reception showcased French cuisine.

Former Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry of India, Mr. K C Singh with the French Ambassador to India, Mr. François Richier.

US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell with Ambassador Richier.

Foreign Secretary of India, Mr. Ranjan Mathai with Ambassador Richier.

MoS in PMO, Shri V. Narayanasamy with Ambassador Richier.

French Ambassador, Mr. François Richier during his speech on the occasion of National day.

MoS in PMO, Shri V. Narayanasamy addresses the guests.

MoS, Shri V. Narayanasamy, French Ambassador, Mr. François Richier and Foreign Secretary of India, Mr. Ranjan Mathai stand as the National Anthems of the two countries are played.

Ambassador Richier, MoS Shri V. Narayanasamy and Foreign Secretary of India, Mr. Ranjan Mathai raise a toast to Indo-French friendship.

At noon, the French community in India was invited to the Residence of France for a patriotic ceremony and a reception. In his speech, Ambassador Richier saluted the French community’s contribution to the dynamism of Indo-French relations. He especially thanked public servants, Embassy staff as well as the Lycée français and Alliance française personnel. He spoke of his desire to throw open the doors of the Residence – “the house of all French nationals” – on major occasions that brought together the French community in India.

An evening reception was held for Indian guests, along with representatives of the French community and the diplomatic corps. Among others, Ambassador Richier had the honour of welcoming Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, several parliamentarians, and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. In their respective speeches, the Ambassador and Shri Narayanasamy praised the excellence of the Indo-French bilateral relationship and called for deepening it.