India Celebrates 75th Republic Day with French President Macron as Chief Guest

India marked its 75th Republic Day with grandeur and a touch of international camaraderie as French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Macron, expressing his gratitude, called it a “great honor for France” as his country’s troops and aircraft participated in the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path.

The celebrations began with a combined band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces, drawing members from the prestigious French Foreign Legion—a unique corps of about 10,000 men from around the world, including India. The Legionnaires, easily recognizable by their iconic ‘White Cap,’ symbolizing their successful completion of rigorous selection tests, marched alongside their Indian counterparts.

Macron, attending the event as the chief guest, posted his appreciation on social media. “A great honor for France. Thank you, India,” he wrote on X. The participation of French troops and aircraft in India’s Republic Day Parade reciprocated the grand gesture made by India earlier when its troops and aircraft paraded in Paris for the 2023 Bastille Day.

A great honor for France.
Thank you, India. pic.twitter.com/fXfp4hdCsb

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024

The French band contingent, led by Captain Khourda, was followed by a marching contingent led by Captain Noel. The second Infantry regiment of the French Foreign Legion, comprising 90 legionnaires led by Captain Noel, showcased their precision and discipline.

This exchange marked a significant moment in the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Strategic Partnership between India and France. The reciprocal visits by the leaders, starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023 and culminating in Macron’s presence at the Republic Day celebrations, underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Macron, who arrived in India on Thursday in Jaipur, engaged in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi. Expressing his pride, Modi shared on social media, “Visited Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with President @EmmanuelMacron. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage in astronomy.”

Visited Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with President @EmmanuelMacron. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage in astronomy. It also symbolises the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, a shared value that both India and France appreciate. pic.twitter.com/2d0Se6bg3h

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2024

In an earlier post, PM Modi welcomed Macron to India, emphasizing the significance of his participation in the Republic Day celebrations. “His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration,” Modi stated.

The celebrations were inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path. President Murmu, accompanied by Macron in a traditional buggy and escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event commenced with the National Anthem and a 21 Gun Salute in honor of the 75th Republic Day.