French President Emmanuel Macron has been extended an invitation to attend India's Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, according to sources cited by ANI.
The invitation comes following Prime Minister Modi's visit to France in July, during which he held the distinguished position of Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade. This event also marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent, led by a military band, participated in the parade.
In May 2023, PM Modi made a stopover in Paris on his return from Denmark to meet President Macron, becoming the first world leader to engage with the French President after his re-election on April 17, 2022.
The diplomatic ties between India and France were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 1998, reaching the milestone of 25 years in January 2023. The partnership is grounded in cooperation across various sectors, including defence, security, space, civil nuclear matters, and economic growth.
Furthermore, the collaboration extends to areas such as digital cooperation and space cooperation. The invitation to President Macron as the Chief Guest for India's Republic Day celebrations underscores the deepening and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.
(Inputs from ANI)
