India has invited French President Emmanuel Macron to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2024.
India has extended a warm invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron to be the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations in 2024. The invitation comes as a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and signifies the importance of their strategic partnership.
The Republic Day celebrations in India are held annually on January 26th to commemorate the day when the Constitution of India came into effect. The event is marked with a grand parade in the capital city of New Delhi, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, military strength, and technological advancements.
Prior to Macron, former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac was the chief guest on India’s Republic Day celebrations in 1976 and 1998, as were former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande in the years 1980, 2008, and 2016, respectively.
Earlier in July, PM Modi visited France to attend the Bastille Day Parade. PM Modi participated in the Bastille Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of President Macron.
PM Modi had visited France to mark the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. As per the PMO statement in July, “To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the parade.” The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, followed by a complement from the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.
Inviting a foreign leader as the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations is a tradition that dates back to 1950, when Indonesia’s President Sukarno became the first foreign dignitary to be honoured with this role. Since then, several world leaders have graced the occasion, including former US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The choice of Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2024 holds great significance. India and France share a long history of diplomatic relations, which have strengthened over the years through cooperation in various fields such as defence, trade, and culture.
France is one of India’s key strategic partners, and the two countries have been working closely on a wide range of issues, including counter-terrorism, climate change, and maritime security. The invitation to President Macron reflects India’s desire to further deepen and expand this partnership.
President Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest will provide an opportunity for both countries to explore new avenues of cooperation and strengthen their ties in areas such as defence, space exploration, renewable energy, and technology. It will also serve as a platform for high-level discussions on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
India and France have collaborated on various defence projects, including the development and production of advanced military equipment. The two countries have also been working together in the field of space exploration, with France supporting India’s ambitious space missions.
Furthermore, India and France have a strong cultural connection, with a significant Indian diaspora residing in France and a growing interest in Indian art, music, and cuisine among the French population. President Macron’s visit will provide an opportunity to showcase the vibrant cultural exchange between the two nations.
Overall, the invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2024 celebrations highlight the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between India and France. It is a testament to the growing importance of their bilateral relationship and sets the stage for further collaboration in the years to come.
India looks forward to welcoming President Macron and believes that his visit will not only strengthen the bond between the two countries but also contribute to the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.