Sources have indicated that India and France are currently discussing the possibility of inviting French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2024.

If Macron accepts the invitation, it will mark the sixth time that a French President has been the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

While India had also been in discussions with leaders of Quad countries for the Republic Day celebrations, those plans did not materialize.

India’s invitation to France further underscores the strong ties between the two countries. They have a strategic partnership in defense, space, and nuclear sectors.