For the first time in the history, French soldiers are set to march down the Rajpath along with Indian troops on the upcoming Republic Day in the presence of French President Francois Hollande, when he will be in India as the chief guest.
This year French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest for the Republic Day Celebrations. This will be the fifth time a French President attending as Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Celebrations. Not only French, but this is the first time any foreign army would be marching down the Rajpath as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
A French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade has already landed in India to take part in a joint exercise that began in Rajasthan. Few other soldiers will also fly down soon to form a proper marching contingent. The French soldiers are participating in Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise called ‘Shakti 2016’.
Meanwhile, French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is also set to visit India ahead of Republic Day.