France's Macron Joins India's Republic Day Parade

Thousands of people lined a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi on Friday, Jan. 26 to watch this year's Republic Day Parade, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the Indian Constitution.

This year's guest of honor was French President Emmanuel Macron, who returned the favor after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Paris for Bastille Day last July.

France's Macron Joins in India's Republic Day Parade — *(Photo: Manish Swarup/AP)*

Macron arrived at the saluting platform alongside Indian President Draupadi Murmu in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage from the nearby presidential palace, a rare appearance after it was abandoned by the Indian Government 40 years ago in favor of an automobile, the Associated Press reported.

The parade was also broadcast live by television networks and was watched by millions of Indians across the country.

Macron accepted India's invitation at short notice after US President Joe Biden declined to visit due to the State of the Union address and his reelection bid this year.

Past Guests of Honor, Constant Show of Force

India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness its military units march along the heart of the capital, including arsenals such as tanks, missile systems, infantry combat vehicles, and surface-to-air missile systems.

Also part of the parade were a camel-mounted regiment, several all-female contingents, and a French marching contingent composed of the French Foreign Legion.

"A great honor for France," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, about the unit's inclusion in the parade. "Thank you, India"

The parade further showcased other recent achievements India made in the past year, including the opening of a Hindu temple, the Chandrayaan-3 moon lander, and the commissioning of several new naval and air assets, including its first indigenous aircraft carrier.

Previous guests of honor during past Republic Day parades include former US President Barack Obama (2015), former French President Francois Hollande (2016), ten Southeast Asian leaders (2018), and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi (2023).