New Delhi: General Pierre Schill, Chief of Army Staff of the French Army, commenced his official visit to India from February 27 to February 29, 2024. The visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on February 27, where General Schill paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Following the poignant ceremony, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to General Schill at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi. Subsequently, he held discussions with General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, and other senior military leaders, exchanging ideas and deliberating on contemporary issues. The discussions included avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation between the French and Indian armies.
As part of his itinerary, General Schill is set to engage with representatives from the defence industry and witness a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan. He will also visit the Sapta Shakti Command in Jaipur, interacting with senior military commanders during his stay. On February 29, 2024, General Pierre Schill is scheduled to address officers at the prestigious National Defence College (NDC).
The visit underscores the shared commitment of France and India to fortify their strategic collaboration across defence, security, and technology domains. Such bilateral engagements and joint military exercises exemplify the enduring bond between the armed forces of both nations, reaffirming their dedication to advancing regional stability and international security.