In a unique display of camaraderie, a 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France participated in India’s 75th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. This reciprocal exchange follows Indian troops and aircraft parading in Paris for the 2023 Bastille Day.
The French detachment that marched exclusively comes from the French Foreign Legion, a renowned and diverse corps with about 10,000 members from across the globe, including India.
The Kartavya Path witnessed a combined march past by the French Armed Forces’ band and marching contingent. Captain Khourda led the band contingent, while Captain Noel led the marching contingent, which included the second Infantry regiment of the French Foreign Legion comprising 90 legionnaires. Notably, these legionnaires wear the famous ‘White Cap,’ earned after undergoing rigorous four months of selection tests, with the best legionnaires donning the prestigious ‘Black Cap.’
French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, continuing a unique exchange following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on its National Day in July 2023. Macron’s visit marks the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Strategic Partnership between India and France.
In Jaipur on Thursday, Macron engaged in bilateral discussions with PM Modi, with both leaders discussing various bilateral and global issues. PM Modi expressed pride in Macron’s participation in the Republic Day celebrations, emphasizing that it strengthens ties and adds to the shared history of friendship and collaboration.
Throughout 2023, PM Modi and President Macron engaged in high-profile meetings on global platforms such as the COP 28 Summit in Dubai, the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Macron, notably, was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Celebrations in France in July 2023.
This Republic Day marks the sixth time a French leader has participated in India’s biggest ceremonial event, starting with President Jacques Chirac in 1976. PM Modi’s last visit to France for Bastille Day in 2023 showcased the strong bonds between the nations, with Indian armed forces marching at Champs-Elysees and a spectacular flypast by Rafale jets. The participation of the French Foreign Legion adds a unique touch to the celebration, symbolizing the strength of the diplomatic ties between India and France.