French President Emmanuel Macron has received a special invitation to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, as per sources reported by ANI. This invitation follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July, where he was honored as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade. This event marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Prime Minister’s Office stated that, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent, led by a military band, participated in the parade.
In May 2023, PM Modi made a stopover in Paris on his way back from Denmark to meet President Macron. This made him the first world leader to engage with the French President after his re-election on April 17, 2022.
Diplomatic ties between India and France were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 1998, reaching the milestone of 25 years in January 2023. The partnership covers cooperation in various sectors, including defense, security, space, civil nuclear matters, and economic growth.
Moreover, the collaboration extends to areas such as digital cooperation and space cooperation. The invitation to President Macron as the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations highlights the deepening and diverse relationship between the two nations. This gesture underscores the shared commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation in multiple domains, symbolizing the longstanding friendship and partnership between India and France. The inclusion of President Macron in the Republic Day celebrations reflects the mutual respect and the importance both countries place on their bilateral relationship.