Not just a celebration of its Constitution, India’s Republic Day is also a moment to showcase its global friendships. French President Emmanuel Macron in 2024 was invited as Chief Guest of India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations. His visit was a visit full of warmth, cultural experiences and diplomatic promise. From the grand parade in New Delhi to a heartfelt moment in Jaipur with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron’s visit mirrored the deepening ties between India and France.
President Macron’s visit to India on January 25–26, 2024, was intended as part of widespread efforts to welcome world leaders to celebrate Republic Day. His second state visit to India was the sixth time a French leader had been honored as Chief Guest. The invitation had been made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had been the Guest of Honour at France’s National Day in July 2023. Even that visit had established a baseline for further cooperation between the two countries.
A highlight of Macron’s visit was the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. A French military contingent marched with Indian forces, while French aviators flew along. But this display was more than just a display of formal patriotism – it expressed close defence relationships between the two countries. India and France have in the past worked together to develop military technology such as Rafale fighter jets, and this joint involvement sent a clear message of unity and trust.
Following the official events in Delhi, Macron visited Jaipur, Rajasthan, visiting landmark sites like Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. But the most memorable moment happened when he stood beside Prime Minister Modi in front of the illuminated Hawa Mahal. The two leaders smiled warmly and at that time the photo became widely shared. Macron later tweeted:
“What a wonderful memory of the #RepublicDay we shared together in 2024! 🇮🇳🇫🇷
My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, my very best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!”
This message served not only to communicate Macron’s gratitude for Indian hospitality but to express further plans for cooperation.
Macron’s visit was symbolic, but not only that. This came as the Horizon 2047 roadmap, a long-term roadmap in pursuit of developing India–France relations on key issues such as environment, education, technology and defence, became available. Both countries want to cooperate on global challenges and to cooperate in supporting each other’s strategic ambitions. The visit also covered trade, investment and cooperation on space and nuclear energy. France played a pivotal role along India’s development path, and Macron’s arrival validated that partnership.
Macron’s visit prompted a cordial reception among Indian citizens. His message was a lot of good, some liked its cultural respect he showed them. The image of two leaders in a standing unity in front of an Indian monument that’s been placed at a historic site across the world has since come to symbolize global friendship. Worldwide, the visit was read as an indication of India’s increasing weight and ability to forge alliances. France, as well, benefited from cementing its ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Republic Day 2024 was one of friendship-related culture and cooperation: As President Emmanuel Macron took to India for Republic Day 2024. And from the parade in Delhi to the blinding light of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, every moment symbolized the warmth enjoyed by the two nations. His tweet captured it well: this was not so much a visit, it was a promise to keep building together. And as India gains importance on the global stage, such collaboration will be a major factor for India’s future. And these moments remind us that diplomacy, when built on mutual respect and shared values, can genuinely bring peoples and nations closer.
