PM Modi Thanks ‘Dear Friend’ Macron For Republic Day Wishes, Says He Looks Forward To Welcoming Him

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 21:51 IST

PM Modi Thanks ‘Dear Friend’ Macron For Republic Day, Says Looks Forward To Welcoming Him

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AFP file photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his Republic Day wishes, calling him a “dear friend".

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Thank you my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron for your warm wishes on India’s 77th Republic Day."

The Prime Minister further added, “I look forward to welcoming you in India soon and further deepen and diversify the India-France strategic partnership."

Macron had wished India a happy Republic Day and shared a picture with PM Modi, recalling his visit as the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day. In his post, the French leader wrote, “What a wonderful memory of the #RepublicDay we shared together in 2024! My dear friend @NarendraModi , dear Indian friends, my very best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!"

Earlier this month, Macron had confirmed that he would visit India next month to attend the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for 19–20 February in New Delhi. The summit is set to be the first global AI event hosted in the Global South.

On Monday, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with events held across the country and by Indian communities abroad. In New Delhi, the celebration featured a grand display of India’s cultural heritage, economic progress, and military strength, including warplanes, indigenously built missiles, newly raised units, and lethal weapons used during Operation Sindoor.

The annual military parade highlighted India’s strategic autonomy and its diverse defence sourcing, with Russian-origin platforms displayed alongside US-made equipment.

This year, the overarching theme was 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, while the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor also featured prominently.

The parade began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute, accompanied by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in a traditional buggy.

Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, other Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats, and senior officials were among the spectators.

Meanwhile, world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, extended greetings to India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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