French Army band performs in New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 7 (ANI): The French Army band performed here on Saturday, as India invited military bands and cultural troupes of armies from around the world to strengthen ties and promote peace through music.

The itinerary included performances by world-class musicians of The Royal EME (UK), The French Army, The Sri Lankan Army, The Bangladesh Army and The Nepalese Army apart from bands of the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Jerome Bonnafont, French Ambassador to India, who was present at the event, said the two countries had excellent relations.

"It's really an excellent relationship. It's based on mutual trust. It's based on common values, it's also based on the conviction that India and France can hand-in-hand both develop each other and make a positive impact on globalization, for peace, against terrorism, for poverty alleviation, for fighting against, for example, climate change, etc.

So, it's very-very friendly relationship, which we call strategic partnership," he said.

The function is a one of a kind, as it is for the first time that such a presentation is initiated by the Indian armed forces.

Musicians in all world-class armies have played a pivotal role not only in high standards of ceremonial functions, but also in adding vigour to the daily routine of regimental life of a soldier. (ANI)