By Girish Linganna
Jan 25: This Friday, on the 26th, we will celebrate our 74th Republic Day and start the special 75th year, called 'Amrit Kaal'. It's important to think about how much every person really matters in our country.French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest
The 2024 Republic Day parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 am on January 26th. It will go from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. Around 77,000 people can be there, with 42,000 seats for the general public.
For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, the themes focus on women and are named 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka'. These themes are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of India as a nurturing mother of democracy.
The parade will start with an extraordinary show by 100 women artists playing Indian instruments. A key feature of the 75th Republic Day Parade is the first-ever all-women Tri-Service contingent, marking a historic moment. Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will include women in their contingents, truly highlighting and honoring the power and skills of Indian women.
On Republic Day, the Ministry of Culture is set to display 'Anant Sutra’ - The Endless Thread', a textile installation at Kartavya Path. Positioned behind the audience seating areas, it will feature around 1,900 sarees and traditional drapes from all over India, presented at a certain height using wooden frames along Kartavya Path. QR codes will be included, allowing people to scan and learn about the weaving and embroidery techniques used in these textiles.
Emmanuel Macron's visit to New Delhi as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations aligns with the ongoing talks between India and France. These discussions involve major deals worth billions of dollars for India to buy French fighter jets and submarines for its military.
Officials from both New Delhi and Paris have indicated that the visit will be largely symbolic rather than focused on significant agreements. France, as India's second biggest arms provider, has maintained a long-standing and close relationship with India in Europe for many years. Notably, France was the sole Western country that didn't impose sanctions on India following its nuclear tests in 1998.
Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to join the Bastille Day festivities in July, the Indian government preliminarily agreed to purchase 26 Rafale jets and co-manufacture three Scorpene class submarines, a deal valued at approximately 80,000 Crores (about $9.62 billion). However, these agreements are still pending finalization. France is also eager to expand collaboration with India in the space and nuclear fields.
The agreements are still in the process of being finalized. Additionally, France is interested in increasing collaboration with India in the areas of space and nuclear technology. This visit is seen by France as a chance to strengthen the strategic alliance it has built with New Delhi over many years. However, French presidential advisors have informed media houses that no new defense contracts are anticipated during this visit.
India has been using French fighter jets for over 40 years. Before purchasing the Rafale from Dassault Aviation, India acquired Mirage jets in the 1980s, which still form two squadrons of the air force. The upcoming encounter will mark the fifth meeting between Modi and Macron since May.
In his 40-hour official visit, Macron is set to meet with business executives from various sectors including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, space, energy, and hydrogen industries, as stated by officials from New Delhi and Paris.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)