French army contingent rehearses ahead of 67th Republic Day

A French army contingent on Monday carried out a rehearsal parade ahead of India's 67th Republic Day in New Delhi .

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 every year to commemorate the day when the country's constitution was adopted and it was declared as sovereign republic in 1950.

The soldiers of French army marched to the drum beats at Rajpath in a perfectly synchronised manner.

For the first time an army contingent of a foreign country will take part in the Republic Day parade known for showcasing India's defence prowess.

Soldiers of Maratha light infantry regiment of the Indian army had marched shoulder to shoulder with French army back in 2009 at Champs Elysees.

Earlier this month, the French army contingent participated in a joint military exercise with India.

Adding to the French flavour for India, France's President Francois Hollande will be the guest of honour at this year's Republic Day celebrations.

This will be the fifth time that a French leader will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations.

India is also in the process of negotiating a deal to buy 36 Rafale jets from France.

Every year military weapons, battle tanks and missiles are displayed at the majestic Republic Day parade, which stretches from the president's palace to India Gate, a memorial dedicated to unknown soldiers.