Macron to Headline 75th Republic Day, Boosting India-France Ties in Defence

India and France are expected to strengthen defence ties during Macron's visit.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to serve as the guest of honour during the 75th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the sixth occasion that France has received this prestigious invitation—a record for any country. A contingent from the French Army is set to participate in this year's parade.

This move reflects the strengthening ties between India and France across various sectors, such as defence, security, clean energy, trade, investment, and new technologies.

India had extended an invitation to the French president last month after US President Joe Biden expressed his inability to alter his schedule to attend the parade. In addition to Macron’s participation in the Republic Day parade, a planned roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur is also on the agenda.

The visit is expected to facilitate the finalization of crucial agreements, including India's procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft from France and the construction of three submarines in India with technology transfer from France. These Rafale M fighter jets are primarily intended for deployment on the INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned on September 2, 2022, with potential deployment on the INS Vikramaditya.

Macron's visit may also see progress on the proposed deal between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited of India and the Naval Group of France for constructing three additional submarines, following the successful completion of six Kalvari-class submarines. Notably, two Rafale aircraft from the French Air Force, along with a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and a 33-member band contingent, will participate in the Republic Day parade.

Last year, marching contingents from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force participated in the Bastille Day parade in Paris, where the Indian prime minister was the chief guest.

The deep-rooted defence relationship between India and France has been a pivotal aspect of their bilateral ties, with a 25-year roadmap unveiled during Prime Minister Modi's visit to France. This roadmap includes collaborations in submarine development and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Both nations are eager to enhance defence cooperation by partnering in the design, development, testing, and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, with a focus on joint production in India and technology transfer for third countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.