“Unprecedented, Deep Mutual Trust”: France On Invitation To Emmanuel Macron For Republic Day Celebrations

New Delhi, January 24, 2024 – The Embassy of France in Delhi has officially announced the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day celebrations. The visit, scheduled for January 25th and 26th, comes as part of the deepening Indo-French ties, with President Macron serving as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A notable feature of the celebration will be the participation of a contingent from the French armed forces, showcasing the strong defense cooperation between the two nations.

This will mark France”s sixth participation as the chief guest, a testament to the robust and enduring relationship between India and France. This is a record for any country to be invited as chief guest during India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Accompanying President Macron will be a high-profile ministerial delegation, including Stéphane Sejourné for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Sébastien Lecornu for the Armed Forces, and Rachida Dati for Culture.

Additionally, a statement from the Embassy said a delegation of C-level business representatives from French major companies, SMEs, and mid-caps, along with other distinguished personalities, including ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, will be part of the visit.

This visit holds significance as it follows Prime Minister Modi”s visit to Paris on France”s Bastille Day in July 2023, “showcasing the unprecedented reciprocal invitations and deep mutual trust between the two nations”.

The visit aims to consolidate the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership, as outlined in the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap” agreed upon during Prime Minister Modi”s visit to Paris.

President Macron”s talks with Prime Minister Modi will focus on advancing cooperation under the three pillars of the Roadmap: Partnership for Security and Sovereignty, Partnership for the Planet and Partnership for the People

President Macron”s visit will commence with engagements in Jaipur, including a tour of the Amber Fort and interactions with artisans and stakeholders of Indo-French cultural projects. Subsequently, he will join Prime Minister Modi in the Pink City for bilateral talks and visits to landmarks, including Jantar Mantar.

On January 26th, President Macron will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in Delhi. The visit will conclude with attendance at the At Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a State Banquet hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.