The marching contingent was drawn from the French Foreign Legion, a well-known and unique corps comprising approximately 10,000 men from around the world, including India.
For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent took part in the country’s biggest ceremonial event. French President Emmanuel Macron attends as chief guest.
This is the second time France has participated in India's Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to take part in the event.
President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day also said the ‘democratic system in India is much older than the concept of Western democracy'.
Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.
The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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