French President Emmanuel Macron to be the Guest of Honour
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Amber Fort in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Thursday. He also met school students who gathered there to welcome him. Macron’s state visit marks France’s sixth participation, the highest of any other nation, as chief guest on India’s Republic Day. Furthermore, it comes months after PM Modi’s Paris trip on France’s Bastille Day on July 14, 2023. His visit caps the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership. The pink city has been decked up with posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Macron.
PM Modi and French President Hold Mega Roadshow in Jaipur
PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a mega roadshow in Jaipur after their visit to Jantar Mantar. They stopped over at Hawa Mahal before they dined together at Rambagh Palace.
Security Measures and Preparations
Around 8,000 security personnel have been deployed, and the security has been beefed up with the help of technology and human intelligence surveillance in Delhi. The Indian Army deployed snipers and conducted night patrols with cutting-edge technology to protect the Line of Control in Gurez, Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. Security has also been beefed up in Odisha, especially in naxal-affected areas.
Delhi Metro to Begin Services Early
The Delhi Metro will commence its services at 4 am on all its lines to help people reach Kartavya Path to witness the Republic Day ceremony on Jan 26. Train services will be available at an interval of 30 minutes till 6 am, and a regular timetable will be followed thereafter for the rest of the day.
Grand Display of Military Might
The armed forces will display an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade. Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by ‘Aavaahan’, a band performance by over 100 women artistes playing various types of percussion instruments.
Historic Firsts and Symbolic Gestures
For the first time in Bombay Sappers’ three-century history, female officer Major Divya Tyagi will lead the regiment’s all-male contingent at the Republic Day parade in Delhi. The parade will be heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands. The parade will also consist of only women personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
ISRO’s Tableau and Namo Bharat Train
The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Tableau participating in this year’s Republic Day parade will exhibit the Chandrayaan-3 as its primary highlight. A model of the Namo Bharat train from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation will feature in Uttar Pradesh’s Republic Day tableau. A total of 16 tableaux from states and Union territories and nine from central ministries and departments will roll down the Kartavya Path during the parade.
These developments mark a significant moment in India’s Republic Day celebrations, showcasing the nation’s military prowess, cultural heritage, and strengthening international partnerships.
