French President Emmanuel Macron, chief guest for Republic Day 2024, thanked India on Friday and said it was “a great honor for France” as a combined band and marching contingent of French Armed Forces took part in parade at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
French Rafales, marching contingent take part in Republic Day 2024 parade
Two Rafale fighter jets flanked by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared through Delhi’s sky as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day at a grand parade on Friday.
As soon as around 95 French troops marched down the Kartavya Path at the heart of the national capital, the whizzing warplanes pierced the morning sky making thousands of spectators crane their necks in wonder.
A 30-member band contingent from France also drew attention at the grand parade.
Not the first
It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India’s Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country.
About French contigent participating in Republic Day 2024 parade
The French military contingent that participated in India’s Republic Day 2024 parade comprised six Indians. It was led by Captain Noel Louis.
The contingent belonged to the Corps of French Foreign Legion, which is an elite military corps that is open to foreigners who want to serve in the French Army. Set up in 1831, the French Foreign Legion is an integral part of the French Army. At present, it has almost 9,500 officers and legionnaires.
Macron, Republic Day 2024 chief guest
India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Macron arrived on the Kartavya Path in the national capital on Friday morning for 75th Republic Day celebrations in a traditional buggy, which made a comeback after 40 years.
Both Indian and French presidents were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard “Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak”. The President’s Bodyguard is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army.
This Republic Day is special for this elite Regiment as the “Angrakshak’ have completed 250 years of service since its raising in 1773.
Macron watched India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path, joining a select group of global leaders to have graced the nation’s biggest ceremonial in the last seven decades.
As the chief guest at the ceremony, Macron witnessed the grand military parade and the cultural performances along with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet, foreign diplomats and a host of other dignitaries.
It was the sixth time that a French leader was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
With inputs from PTI
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Republic Day 2024: ‘Great honor for France,’ says French President Macron, thanks India for THIS
