New Delhi, January 23: The French Army will participate in the Republic Day celebrations in India, according to Captain Loic Alexandre, an officer in the French Foreign Legion. Captain Alexandre expressed his honor and pride in being in India for the occasion and praised the Indian Army for their professionalism and excellence.
The French Army has been invited to participate in the Republic Day celebrations, reciprocating the Indian Army’s presence at the Bastille Day parade in Paris last year. Captain Alexandre highlighted the strong partnership between the two countries’ armies, noting their collaboration in conducting joint exercises. He emphasized the importance of strengthening their relationship day by day, including through material support and joint training.
The French contingent for Republic Day will consist of 130 people who will march on Kartavya Path. Among them will be a music band, the second foreign infantry regiment based in southern France, and three aircraft, including two Rafaels and one tanker aircraft. Notably, one woman, a pilot in the French Air Force, will be part of the Airbus aircraft, along with the Colonel who commands the French contingent.
Captain Louis, who will lead the French contingent, expressed his pleasure in being in India for Republic Day and emphasized the need to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, as demonstrated by the Indian detachment’s participation in the Bastille Day celebration last year.
French Corporal Sujan, who has been serving in the French Poland legion for seven years, expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for making their visit possible and described India as a great country rich in culture and tradition. He praised the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people and the discipline and elegance of the public forces and military police.
The 75th Republic Day parade, which will take place in New Delhi, is expected to be a grand event with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. This will be the sixth occasion where a French leader will be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations, symbolizing the strong and friendly relations between India and France.
Despite the bitter cold and early-morning fog, the Armed Forces conducted dress rehearsals for the parade, showcasing their precision and discipline. The event promises to be a spectacular display of military prowess and cultural diversity, capturing the essence of India’s vibrant democracy.
As India prepares to celebrate its 75th Republic Day, the presence of the French Army reaffirms the strong bond between the two nations and their commitment to cooperation and mutual respect. This celebration of unity and friendship sets the stage for further collaboration in various fields, promoting peace and prosperity for both India and France.
