In a historic display of international camaraderie, the 75th Republic Day parade in India will witness six Indian soldiers marching alongside their French counterparts in the French Foreign Legion contingent. French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest, will mark the sixth French leader to grace this prestigious annual event.
Republic Day Parade : French-Indian Military Collaboration:
New Delhi: The French military contingent, comprising 95 members and a 33-member band, will feature a unique inclusion of six Indians from the French Foreign Legion. This marks a significant stride in the growing defense cooperation between India and France.
CCH Sujan Pathak (Chief Corporal), CPL Dipak Arya, CPL Parbin Tandan, Gurvachan Singh (First Class Legionnaire), Aniket Ghartimagar, and Vikas Djeassegar will proudly represent India in the French marching squad, highlighting the inclusivity of the French Foreign Legion, an elite military corps open to foreigners.
Republic Day Parade: The French Foreign Legion: A Global Alliance:
Established in 1831, the French Foreign Legion is the only French Army corps open to individuals worldwide. Currently, it boasts almost 9,500 officers and legionnaires from around 140 nationalities, embodying a diverse and global alliance in the spirit of international cooperation.
After serving three years in the Legion, a foreigner becomes eligible for French nationality, showcasing the Legion’s unique pathway towards citizenship. This year, the Legion’s participation in India’s Republic Day parade further emphasizes the bond between the two nations.
Republic Day Parade: Women Take Center Stage:
The 75th Republic Day parade also marks a significant stride towards gender inclusivity. An all-women tri-services contingent from India will be part of the parade, showcasing indigenously developed weaponry and military equipment, including missiles, drone jammers, and surveillance systems.
Lieutenants Deepti Rana and Priyanka Sevda, commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, will lead the display of the Swathi weapon locating radar and Pinaka rocket system—an historic moment in the parade’s history.
Major General Sumit Mehta, the Chief of Staff of Army’s Delhi area headquarters, highlighted that 80% of the activities at the parade will involve women, demonstrating a commitment to women’s empowerment and recognition of their pivotal role in the armed forces.
Republic Day Parade: A Spectacular Display of Indian Defence:
The parade will feature an array of indigenously developed military equipment, including the T-90 Bhisma tanks, Nag missile systems, BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, and Pinaka multi-rocket launching systems. Additionally, the flypast will showcase 46 aircraft from the Indian Air Force, including the indigenously-built Tejas aircraft flying in a formation for the first time.
The parade’s commencement with 100 women artistes playing traditional Indian musical instruments reflects a departure from tradition, providing a unique and vibrant start to the event.
The Republic Day parade rehearsals at Kartavya Path showcase the dedication and precision of participants as they prepare for the grand event.#RepublicDay2024 #RepublicDay @adgpi @nischaljourno pic.twitter.com/FNhtMGDiVI
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 18, 2024
As India commemorates its 75th Republic Day, the participation of six Indians in the French Foreign Legion contingent symbolizes the global unity and collaboration in the realm of defense. The joint display of military prowess and cultural diversity during the parade emphasizes the strong bond between India and France, paving the way for continued cooperation on both military and diplomatic fronts.
