France's Macron joins India's Republic Day celebrations as chief guest

President Emmanuel Macron was guest of honour at India's annual military parade marking 75 years of independence, in a state visit aimed at shoring up France's strategic ties with the world's fifth-largest economy.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron leave in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage after witnessing the Republic day parade, in New Delhi, 26 January. AP - Manish Swarup

Thousands of people lined a ceremonial boulevard in the heart of India's capital on Friday to watch a colorful parade showcasing the country's military power and cultural heritage to mark its 75th Republic Day. 

French President Emmanuel Macron was chief guest at the parade celebrating the adoption of the country’s Constitution on 26 January, 1950, following India's independence from British colonial rule. 

The annual Republic Day coincided this year with a two-day diplomatic tour that reflects a growing partnership between India and France, after Macron hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at last year's Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

French soldiers from 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment march along with Indian defense forces through the ceremonial Kartavya Path boulevard during India's Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi. AP - Manish Swarup

A contingent of French soldiers, including a Foreign Legion marching band, joined in the parade. Indian troops had marched down the Champs-Elysees last year under Modi's watch.

A French transport aircraft and two fighter jets from the French air force joined 54 Indian air force aircraft in a fly-over past the viewing stand.

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Indian President Draupadi Murmu escorted Macron in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage from the nearby president’s palace to the viewing stand. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a saffron-and-yellow–colored turban representing Hindu nationalist colors, greeted Macron at the stand.

Tableaux of India's Rajasthan state takes part in India's 75th Republic Day parade AFP - MONEY SHARMA

Tanks, missile systems, infantry combat vehicles and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were displayed at the parade, with hundreds of police and military personnel marching with them.

Stunt performers on motorbikes, including more than 250 women, also joined. 

The parade was broadcast live by television networks and watched by millions of Indians across the country.

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

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024

Great honour

India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the spectacle.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi was the guest of honour last year, former French President François Hollande in 2016 and former US President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018. 

Macron accepted India’s invitation at short notice after US President Joe Biden couldn’t make it, reportedly because of his State of the Union address and reelection bid.

“A great honor for France. Thank you, India,” Macron said on social media platform X.

(with newswires)