NEW DELHI: Two Rafale fighter jets accompanied by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French Space and Air Force flew over Delhi on Friday as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. The sight of the fast-moving planes in the morning sky captivated the thousands of spectators who had gathered for the grand parade. A band contingent from France also drew attention at the event.
This was the second time that the French armed forces participated in India’s Republic Day celebrations, with the first being in 2016. In a reciprocal gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last year, where the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter jets also took part.
The invitation extended to President Macron to attend the Republic Day celebrations reflects the deep mutual trust and unwavering friendship between India and France, according to a statement from the French government.
A French readout said on India inviting Macron to the Republic Day celebrations said, “This reciprocal invitation to national day celebrations is unprecedented, and shows the deep mutual trust and unwavering friendship underpinning Indo-French ties,”
The French military contingent that participated in the parade was led by Captain Noel Louis and comprised of six Indian officers from the Corps of French Foreign Legion.
The French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, is an elite military corps that allows foreigners to serve in the French Army. With nearly 9,500 officers and legionnaires, it plays a crucial role in the French Army’s operations. The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been strengthening over the years, with a focus on co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies. Both countries are also expanding their cooperation in the maritime domain, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
(With agency inputs)