French President Emmanuel Macron has officially confirmed his attendance as the Chief Guest at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations. In a heartwarming message on X (formerly Twitter), Macron expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation, stating, “Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend @NarendraModi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!”
This historic event marks the sixth occasion where a French leader will be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. Notably, former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac and Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande have previously graced the occasion in 1976, 1980, 1998, 2008, and 2016, respectively.
The upcoming Republic Day celebrations will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. The strong convergence of interests between the two nations on various regional and global issues has solidified their status as strategic partners.
In a display of reciprocal diplomacy, Prime Minister Modi was honored as the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade held in Paris on July 14, 2023. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted PM Modi’s visit to France, reciprocating the invitation extended by President Macron.
President Macron’s recent visit to India in September for the G20 Summit further strengthened the commitment to enhance bilateral ties. A bilateral meeting between Macron and PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit resulted in a renewed pledge to elevate India-France relations to new heights of progress.
The relationship between India and France extends beyond ceremonial occasions, with both nations collaborating closely in diverse sectors. The cooperation spans defense, space, civil nuclear, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people ties, reflecting the depth and breadth of the strategic partnership between these two nations. As President Macron prepares to stand alongside India in celebrating its 75th Republic Day, the stage is set for further collaboration and strengthened diplomatic ties between the two nations.
