French President Emmanuel Macron participated in India's 75th Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path, joining an exclusive group of global leaders who have graced the nation's most significant ceremonial event in the past seven decades.
As the chief guest at the ceremony, Macron observed the impressive military parade and cultural performances alongside President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet, foreign diplomats, and various dignitaries. This marked the sixth occasion where a French leader served as the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
The French President engaged in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi in Jaipur the day before the celebrations. A notable feature of the parade was the participation of a 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France. Additionally, two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French air force added to the grandeur of the celebrations.
India traditionally invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations, and Macron's attendance underscored the strengthening ties between India and France. The previous year's Republic Day did not have a chief guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the years, various global leaders have graced the Republic Day parade, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2020, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in 2021, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. The parade has seen the participation of leaders from ASEAN countries, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and former US President Barack Obama.
The historical list of dignitaries attending Republic Day celebrations includes Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami, Jacques Chirac, and other prominent figures. The presence of world leaders at India's Republic Day symbolizes the nation's global significance and the diplomatic relationships it values.
(With Agency Inputs)
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