New Delhi: According to sources, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has received an invitation to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. This invitation comes after the two leaders previously met in July, when Prime Minister Modi visited France to participate in the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour.
During his visit, PM Modi commemorated the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France. In honor of this milestone, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent, led by a military band, also took part in the Parade. The Punjab Regiment led the Indian Army contingent, followed by a complement from the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.
As the parade unfolded, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters showcased their skills with a flypast over the Champs-Elysees. Notably, the Rafale Jets from the 101 Squadron in Hashimara were among the aircraft that participated in the parade.
On July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille prison took place, marking an important event during the French Revolution. This event symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’, which are central themes in both the Indian and French constitutions.
In September of this year, French President Macron visited India to attend the G20 Summit, which was held under India’s Presidency.
During the G20 summit, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi had a bilateral meeting in Delhi on September 10. Following the meeting, PM Modi expressed their shared commitment to further enhance India-France relations and promote progress.
PM Modi shared on X, “I had a very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a wide range of topics and are eager to elevate India-France relations to new heights of progress.”
Both leaders reiterated their dedication to strengthening defense cooperation through partnership in the design and expansion of production in India. They also emphasized the importance of finalizing the Defense Industrial Roadmap at the earliest.
It is worth noting that this is the 6th time a French leader will be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.
Prior to President Macron, former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac served as the Chief Guest during India’s Republic Day celebrations in 1976 and 1998. Former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande also had the honor in 1980, 2008, and 2016 respectively.
India and France maintain close cooperation in various sectors, including defense, space, civil nuclear, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.