India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day today and the French President Emmanuel Macron has joined the nation on this joyous occasion at Kartavya Path. It is only fitting that India and the world get a glimpse of the friendship these two nations share.
French contingent marches down Kartavya Path
In a first, the parade started with 100 female artists showcasing their skills in playing traditional Indian musical instruments like Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada. This marks a departure from the previous practice where military bands traditionally performed this role.
Soon after, two Rafale fighter jets flanked by multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force pierced through the skies above the audience at Kartavya Path as Macron sat alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. This was also accompanied by 95 French troops marching down the parade route. A 30-member band contingent from France also wowed the audience.
This is the second time the French armed forces have participated in the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the French military achieved the historic distinction of being the inaugural foreign contingent to take part in the nation’s largest ceremonial event.
Captain Noel Louis led the French military contingent in the parade, which included six Indian members. The contingent belonged to the Corps of French Foreign Legion.
Bastille Day Parade
Earlier in July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at France’s Bastille Day Parade in Paris. The Bastille Day parade featured the participation of Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force, along with a marching contingent representing the tri-services.
The Bastille Day parade featured the participation of Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force, along with a marching contingent representing the tri-services. “This reciprocal invitation to national day celebrations is unprecedented, and shows the deep mutual trust and unwavering friendship underpinning Indo-French ties,” a French readout said on India inviting Macron to the Republic Day celebrations.
(With PTI inputs)