PARIS, July 13 (AFP) - India announced a new multi-billion-dollar deal for French fighter jets on Thursday (Jul 13) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Paris for a two-day trip that will see him feted as guest of honour during France's national day celebrations.

India's defence ministry said that the country intended to order 26 more Rafale jets as well as another three Scorpene-class submarines, with the price and other terms still being worked out.

India is one of the biggest buyers of French arms, and Modi announced a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a 2015 trip to Paris that was worth around €4.0 billion at the time.

Some of those Indian-piloted Rafales will take part in a flypast on Friday during France's Bastille Day military parade where Modi will sit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron as guest of honour.

"This closeness is not limited to just the leaders of two countries, it is in fact a reflection of the unwavering friendship between India and France," Modi told an enthusiastic crowd of Indians living in France on Thursday evening.

Despite differences over the war in Ukraine and tensions over human rights in India, Western democracies are courting Modi and India as a counterweight to China in Asia.

Macron's red carpet welcome comes weeks after Modi was given the rare honour of a White House state dinner in Washington - a city he was once banned from visiting.

Macron told a meeting of military leaders on Thursday evening he was "happy to welcome India as guest of honour to our parade".

"It's a giant of world history which will have a decisive role for our future. It's also a strategic partner and a friend," he said.