French President Macron visits India Republic Day parade as special guest
Parade in India (Getty Images)
Indian people gathered on a special road in the middle of the capital, New Delhi, to see a vibrant parade, celebrating the 75th Republic Day and showing off the country's military strength and cultural heritage. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, was the main guest at the event, according to AP News and BBC.
January 26 marks the adoption of India's Constitution in 1950, after gaining independence from British control. The ceremonial road, originally built by British rulers, has been renovated and renamed Boulevard of Duty for India's 75th independence anniversary.
Parade in India (Getty Images)
The parade featured tanks, missiles, and soldiers marching. It is the first parade to show an all-female contingent within the army, air force, and navy.
The parade showcased the themes of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka' (India - the mother of democracy). Floats displayed a recently inaugurated temple and India's achievements in space and defense.
Special foreign guest
The Indian President, Draupadi Murmu, accompanied Macron in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. This carriage had not been used in 40 years, as cars were preferred. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a saffron-and-yellow turban, welcomed Macron at the viewing area.
President Macron is an honored guest at the parade (Getty Images)
India usually invites leaders from other countries to visit the special event. Last year, the important guest was the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sissi. In 2016, it was the former President of France, Francois Hollande. In 2015, the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, visited India.
Emmanuel Macron attended the event this year after U.S. President Joe Biden couldn't attend it.
Macron thanked India for the honor. “A great honor for France. Thank you, India,” Macron says on X. French aircraft also participated in a fly-over with Indian air force planes.
