Thousands of people lined a festive street in the heart of the Indian capital to watch a colorful parade showcasing the country's military might and cultural heritage to mark the 75th Republic Day.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the parade on Friday as the chief guest at the celebration of the adoption of the country's constitution on January 26, 1950, after India's independence from British colonial rule.
Indian President Draupadi Murmu escorted Macron in a British-era horse-drawn ceremonial carriage from the nearby President's Palace to the viewing platform. It was the first time the carriage had been used in the parade since the government abandoned it 40 years ago in favor of a car.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a saffron and yellow turban, greeted Macron at the viewing platform.
India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness this spectacle. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the guest of honor last year, former French President François Hollande in 2016, and former US President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the show in 2018.
Tanks, missile systems, infantry fighting vehicles and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were displayed, and hundreds of police and army personnel walked with them. Motorcycle stunt performers, including more than 250 women, also participated in the show.
Macron accepted India's invitation shortly after US President Joe Biden was unable to attend, due to his State of the Union address and his re-election bid.
“A great honor for France. Thank you, India,” Macron said on the X programme.
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