Hundreds of individuals lined a ceremonial boulevard within the coronary heart of India’s capital to look at a vibrant parade showcasing the nation’s army energy and cultural heritage to mark its seventy fifth Republic Day.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the parade on Friday because the chief visitor on the celebration of the adoption of the nation’s Structure on January 26, 1950, following India’s independence from British colonial rule.
Indian President Draupadi Murmu escorted Macron in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage from the close by president’s palace to the viewing stand. It was the primary time the carriage has been used on the parade because it was deserted by the federal government 40 years in the past in favour of a automobile.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sporting a saffron-and-yellow turban, greeted Macron on the viewing stand.
India historically invitations international leaders to witness the spectacle. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the visitor of honour final yr, former French President Francois Hollande in 2016 and former US President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018.
Tanks, missile methods, infantry fight autos and medium-range surface-to-air missile methods had been displayed, with a whole bunch of police and army personnel marching with them. Stunt performers on motorbikes, together with greater than 250 ladies, additionally participated.
Macron accepted India’s invitation at brief discover after US President Joe Biden couldn’t make it, reportedly due to his State of the Union tackle and re-election bid.
“An awesome honour for France. Thanks, India,” Macron stated on X.
