New Delhi: The march of the 95-member French troop down the Kartavya Path and the performance of their 33-member band contingent at Bharat’s 75th Republic Day celebrations drew a lot of attention. The band contingent was headed by Captain Khourda and the marching contingent was led by Captain Noel.
While the French troops and music band performed on the Kartavya Path, Rafale fighter jets flanked
by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft roared through Delhi’s sky.
The Legionnaires (members of the French contingent) who paraded on the Kartavya Path were seen wearing the famous ‘White Cap’, which can be worn only by those who successfully goes through four months of hard selection tests. The best legionnaires later get promoted and wear the ‘Black Cap’.
The French detachment was drawn from the French Foreign Legion, a well-known elite military corps that is open to foreigners who want to serve in the French Army. Established in 1831, this integral part of the French Army currently has almost 9,500 officers and legionnaires.
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 every year to commemorate the day when Bharat was declared as a Republic.
President Droupadi Murmu commenced the celebrations of the Republic Day by unfurling the National Flag at Kartavya Path. This was followed by the National Anthem and the 21 Gun Salute to the President. French President Emmanuel Macron graced the parade as the chief guest.
This is the second time the French armed forces are participating in India’s Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country. This is the also sixth time (the highest for any country) a French leader is participating in India’s Republic Day Parade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the prestigious Bastille Day Parade as the guest of honour in Paris in July 2023. Last year the Indian detachment had participated in the Bastille Day parade.
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