French Minister Celebrates India's Republic Day, Macron Visit Looms

Minister Anne Le Henanff was the guest of honour for the event.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the Embassy of India in Paris said that the growing dynamism of the strategic partnership between India and France was highlighted. There was also a focus on the upcoming visit of President Macron to India and the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.

"@ALehenanff, the French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, honoured the event with her presence as the guest of honor. During the reception, the Ambassador highlighted the growing dynamism of the strategic partnership between India and France, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, as well as the upcoming visit of President Emmanuel Macron to India on the occasion of the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence", the post said.

Earlier on Republic Day, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2024 when he was the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations and extended warm wishes on the occasion.

In a post on X, he also mentioned that he would meet PM Modi in February."What a beautiful memory of #RepublicDay by your side in 2024! My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, all my best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!", the French President wrote on X.

Macron was the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in 2024. During his visit, the French military contingent also participated in the parade. The 2024 parade had twin themes -- 'Visit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat -- Loktantra Ki Matruka' (Mother of Democracy).

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa were the Chief Guests at the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.

India's 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday, featuring a spectacular showcase of the country's military might and diverse culture on Kartavya Path.

Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950, officially becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of India's long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

While independence on August 15, 1947, ended colonial rule, the adoption of the Constitution completed India's transition to self-governance based on the rule of law, institutional accountability, and the will of the Indian people.

- ANI