According to sources, India has extended an invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron to join in the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. The two leaders had previously met in July when PM Modi traveled to France to take part in the Bastille Day Parade. As the Guest of Honor for Bastille Day, PM Modi took part in the festivities. At the invitation of French President Macron, he had traveled to France. On Friday, PM Modi traveled to France to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India and France’s strategic partnership.
“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement.
The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, followed by a complement from the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.
During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade. Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the flypast during the parade.
July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, which symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of both the Indian and French constitutions
Meanwhile, French President Macron also visited India in September this year to attend the G20 Summit which was held under India’s Presidency.