French President Emmanuel Macron To Be Chief Guest At Republic Day Parade

New Delhi: In a warm display of diplomatic friendship, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his attendance as the Chief Guest at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the invitation earlier, and Macron gleefully accepted, calling Modi “my dear friend” and stating “I’ll be here to celebrate with you!” on X (formerly Twitter).

Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend @NarendraModi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 22, 2023

This marks a significant milestone in the strengthening relationship between India and France. Macron will be the sixth French leader to grace the prestigious Republic Day parade, joining the ranks of former Prime Minister Jacques Chirac (1976, 1998) and Presidents Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (1980), Nicolas Sarkozy (2008), and François Hollande (2016).

The decision holds immense symbolic value, highlighting the close ties and strategic partnership blossoming between the two nations. Recent years have witnessed increased collaboration in areas like defence, clean energy, trade and investment, and cutting-edge technologies. Macron’s presence as Chief Guest further underscores the mutual respect and shared interests that bind India and France.