French President Emmanuel Macron has been extended an invitation to serve as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations scheduled for January 26. This year's Republic Day festivities will feature the participation of a contingent from the French Army. The decision to invite President Macron is indicative of the positive trajectory in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, encompassing areas such as defence, security, clean energy, trade, investment, and new technologies.
Emmanuel Macron's anticipated two-day tour will include visits to Delhi and Jaipur, where he will be accompanied by a delegation comprising ministers, CEOs, and notable figures from the cultural and scientific realms. On January 25, the French President is scheduled to arrive in Jaipur, where a planned roadshow alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to take place. During their bilateral meeting, significant announcements are expected, particularly in the realms of defence and strategic cooperation.
Moreover, India and France have affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, with an emphasis on extending these benefits to third countries. This reciprocal commitment underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations in fostering advancements in defence capabilities.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the honour of being the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day parade in Paris on July 14 earlier this year. This reciprocal gesture highlights the mutual respect and strengthening ties between India and France at both ceremonial and substantive levels.
