The French connection

Paris is seen as a reliable strategic partner

French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to accept India’s invitation to the Republic Day parade after US President Joe Biden declined, underlines the durability of Indo-French relations in contrast to the variability of Indo-US ties. Mr Macron’s attendance at the January 26 parade will mark the sixth time a French President has been chief guest at this event. The first French leader to do so was Jacques Chirac, who attended twice, in 1976 (as Prime Minister) and 1998 (as President). Mr Macron will be the second French President to attend the parade under the Narendra Modi regime, Francois Hollande being the