Advertisement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. This follows the leaders’ meeting in July during PM Modi’s visit to France for the Bastille Day Parade, where he participated as the Guest of Honour.
The Bastille Day celebrations marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. A 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent, led by a military band, participated in the parade, showcasing the robust defence cooperation between the two nations. The Indian Army contingent, led by the Punjab Regiment, marched alongside a complement from the Rajputana Rifles Regiment. Notably, a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees, symbolizing the shared democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.’
In September, President Macron reciprocated the visit by attending the G20 Summit in India. During a bilateral meeting in Delhi on September 10, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to elevate India-France relations to new heights. Discussions included strengthening defence cooperation, with an emphasis on the design and expansion of production in India, and the need for the early finalization of the Defence Industrial Roadmap.
Emmanuel Macron’s acceptance of the invitation makes him the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations for the 6th time, underlining the historical ties between the two nations. Past French dignitaries who have graced the occasion include former Prime Minister Jacques Chirac and former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande.
India and France collaborate closely across various sectors, encompassing defence, space, civil nuclear, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. The forthcoming Republic Day celebrations provide an opportunity to further strengthen these ties and showcase the enduring partnership between the two nations.
