The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has been invited to attend India’s January 26 Republic Day celebrations in 2024, reports PTI. He will be the sixth French leader to participate in this prestigious event if he confirms his attendance. The invitation to the President of France signifies the solid bilateral relations between India and Western Europe. It also reaffirms India’s strategic partnership with France in space, human rights, and defense systems.
Before this, a similar invitation was extended to the US President, Joe Biden. Still, he declined due to other commitments, including his upcoming State of the Union address and domestic political concerns. According to the Ambassador of the US to India, Eric Garcetti, President Biden’s decision was based on his priority of addressing the nation during his State of the Union address in late January or early February and his focus on the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
India’s selection of a chief guest is made through careful deliberations, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ensuring that the invited head of state has the right profile and has no other pre-existing commitments, notes Indian Express. The MEA discreetly consults the prime minister and president to ensure they agree with the decision before proceeding. This ensures that the chief guest positively impacts India’s image in the country they visit.
In the past, some of the leading countries in the world have been invited as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade, such as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi this year. It is worth noting that this year’s celebrations will mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
Earlier in July, PM Modi met with the President of France in Paris during his visit to attend the Bastille Day Parade. The two leaders discussed the growing partnership between India and France, particularly in defense, space, civil nuclear, and people-to-people ties. As part of the parade, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band participated.
The Republic Day celebrations in India commemorate the day the Constitution of India came into effect, officially making India a republic. It is a public holiday across the country celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Thousands of national flags are hoisted, and military contingents march through the streets to patriotic songs. It is an excellent opportunity for foreign heads of state to visit and showcase India’s diverse culture and the friendship and deep-rooted bond between India and other nations.