Macron goes nostalgic: French president shares throwback picture from 2024 Republic Day event, extends greetings

PTC News Desk: French President Emmanuel Macron shared throwback pictures with Prime Minister Modi from 2024 when he was invited as chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations and extended warm wishes on the occassion. 

In a post on X, he also mentioned that he would meet PM Modi in February.

"What a beautiful memory of #RepublicDay by your side in 2024! My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, all my best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!", the French President wrote on X.

As India marks its 77th Republic Day, the celebrations highlight the rich 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luís Santos da Costa are attending the event as Chief Guests, underscoring the global significance of the occasion.

On Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen described her participation in India’s Republic Day celebrations as an “honour of a lifetime.” 

Taking to X, Ursula von der Leyen said, "It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit."

Republic Day, observed every year on January 26, commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950, when the nation formally became a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

The day carries deep historical importance, symbolising the culmination of India’s freedom struggle and the foundation of a constitutional system rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Although India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, it was the enforcement of the Constitution that completed the country’s transition to full self-governance, guided by the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the collective will of its people.