New Delhi : — In a significant diplomatic development, French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted the invitation to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024, according to an official statement from the Elysee French presidential palace.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India confirmed the news in a press release, stating, “At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.”
Highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations, the statement emphasized the convergence of interests on various regional and global issues. “As strategic partners, India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues. This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership,” the release added.
This historic visit marks the sixth time a French President will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. President Macron previously visited India for the G20 Summit on September 8-9, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.
Earlier reports had indicated discussions between India and France regarding Macron’s participation in the Republic Day parade in January 2024. The visit holds particular significance as both nations celebrate a quarter-century of their strategic partnership.
In a diplomatic exchange, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the French national day celebrations in July, underscoring the growing diplomatic ties between India and France.
It’s worth noting that India had explored the possibility of inviting leaders from Quad countries for the Republic Day celebrations, but the plans fell through due to the unavailability of U.S. President Joe Biden.
This high-profile visit is expected to strengthen the diplomatic bonds between India and France and foster collaboration on key global challenges.
