Republic Day 2024: Indian, Nepali-Origin Soldiers March In French Contingent On Kartavya Path

Republic Day 2024: French Armed Forces band and marching contingent march on the Kartavya Path. A French refuelling plane and two French Rafale fighter jets passes over them.

The French contingent included Indian and Nepali-origin personnel.

Source : PTI

As India celebrated its 75th Republic Day, the band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces marched down the Kartavya Path in Delhi. The French contingent was invited along with President Emmanuel Macron, who is the chief guest this year.

#WATCH | The French Foreign Legion music band consisting of 30 musicians and the French marching contingent from the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion on Karvatya Path on 75th Republic Day

Above them are two Rafale fighter jets on Kartavya Path pic.twitter.com/WBkQTAl2aj

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Leading the 30-member band contingent was Captain Khourda, which followed by the 90-member marching contingent, led by Captain Noel. Along with the contingent, flying above is one Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (refuelling aircraft) and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air & Space Force.

The French contingent included Indian and Nepali-origin personnel.

Earlier, ANI reported that an officer in the French Foreign Legion, Captain Loic Alexandre, said he felt "honoured" to be a part of India’s Republic Day celebrations.

"We are very honoured to be here in India. The French Army was invited and we saw the Indian army in Paris, France, last year. So they proved that they are part of a great army and that's why we are very proud to be here with them," he was quoted by the news agency.

He further thanked all the services that welcomed them and emphasised that it is a great moment for them. "For this very special occasion, Republic Day in India, we are 130 people who are marching on Kartavya Path...There is the music band on the French... and then infantry regiment, the second foreign infantry regiment that's based in the south of France," he added.

Following the parade, the French president posted a clip of the French band performing and called it "a great honour". 

A great honor for France.
Thank you, India. pic.twitter.com/fXfp4hdCsb

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024

Representing ‘Nari Shakti’ this year, the parade will witness march-pasts by all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also be participating in the fly-pasts. On the same note, Captain Alexandre said that there will be a woman pilot in the French Air Force who will fly the Airbus.

Last year, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band participated in the Bastille Day Parade.