French President Macron Joins India in Celebrating 75th Republic Day

French President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrives in Jaipur, India to celebrate the country’s 75th Republic Day. The two leaders visited historic sites, including an 18th-century observatory and a 17th-century fort, symbolizing the strengthening ties between India and France. Macron’s visit aims to foster a closer dialogue between the two nations, particularly in areas such as economy, defense, space, and cybersecurity. The leaders also held a meeting to discuss various bilateral and global issues.

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France has reiterated its commitment to the defense relationship with India, including technology sharing. The two countries have been working on co-development and co-production defense projects. Macron and Modi are expected to continue discussions on India’s plans to purchase French Rafale fighter aircraft for its navy, as well as the joint development of new submarines. France has already delivered 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force.

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Macron’s presence as the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi is seen as a significant gesture of friendship and collaboration between the two countries. The parade, showcasing various tableaus and cultural performances, highlights India’s rich cultural history and traditions. This year’s parade also includes a women’s tri-service group parade, a French contingent, and the participation of six Indians in the French military team.

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Indian President Droupadi Murmu will hoist the national flag at Kartavya Path, accompanied by Macron. The parade will commence at Vijay Chowk and proceed to Kartavya Path, passing through Rashtrapati Bhawan and Rajpath. The event is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 77,000 people, with a special emphasis on the general public.

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In his Republic Day message, Macron expressed his happiness to be part of the celebrations and extended his warmest wishes to the people of India. He also announced France’s goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students and implementing measures to facilitate visa processes for Indian students who have previously studied in France. Macron recognizes India as a key player on the international stage and values the friendship between the two nations.

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Overall, Macron’s visit to India marks a significant milestone in the India-France relationship, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation and shared values. It showcases the deepening ties between the two countries in various domains and strengthens their commitment to working together for mutual progress and prosperity.