In exciting news, sources reveal that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has been invited to attend Bharat’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. This comes after the two leaders met in July during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France for the Bastille Day Parade, where Modi was the Guest of Honour.
During Modi’s visit to France, marking the 25th anniversary of the Bharat-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent participated in the Bastille Day Parade. The Bharatiya Army contingent, led by the Punjab Regiment, marched to the tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ and Indian Air Force Rafale fighters, including the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, participated in a spectacular flypast.
The Bastille Day Parade, celebrated on July 14, holds historical significance, marking the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789. It symbolizes democratic values like ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,’ which are central themes in both the Indian and French constitutions.
French President Macron also visited Bharat in September for the G20 Summit under Bharat’s Presidency. During a bilateral meeting in Delhi, both leaders expressed their commitment to elevate Bharat-France relations. They discussed a wide range of topics, with PM Modi emphasizing the strengthening of defense cooperation, including the design and production expansion in Bharat.
This invitation marks the 6th time a French leader will be the Chief Guest at Bharat’s Republic Day celebrations. Past occasions included former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac and former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande, showcasing the enduring and multifaceted partnership between India and France.
Bharat and France have a robust collaboration across various sectors, encompassing defense, space, civil nuclear, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. With President Macron’s upcoming presence at the Republic Day celebrations, both nations aim to further strengthen these ties and foster mutual progress.
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