Republic Day: Putin praises 'privileged partnership' between India and Russia
India celebrated the 75th Republic Day on Friday as President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional horse-drawn presidential buggy.
Republic Day: Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted India on the 75th Republic Day on Friday and praised the “privileged strategic partnership” that New Delhi shares with Moscow. Putin also praised India's “active role” in resolving key international issues as he congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Republic Day.
“We appreciate the privileged strategic partnership between our countries. I am confident that, through joint efforts, we will continue to systematically promote constructive cooperation between Russia and India across the board,” the Russian President said.
“This fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples, as it is in line with strengthening security and stability, both regionally and globally,” Putin said in a cable message.
Putin noted that New Delhi enjoys “deserved influence in the international arena,” India said
India has achieved impressive achievements in socio-economic areas, as well as in research and technology.
“The South Asian country enjoys a well-deserved influence in the international arena and plays an active role in resolving the most important issues on the international agenda,” Russian state news agency TASS quoted the president as saying.
75th Republic Day
India celebrated the 75th Republic Day on Friday as President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional horse-drawn presidential buggy, making a comeback after 40 years.
Macron, who was the chief guest at the grand Republic Day event in Delhi, witnessed the festivities at the majestic Kartavya Path in the national capital. The French president joined a select group of world leaders who attended the largest annual ceremonial event of the past seven decades.
Macron witnessed the grand military parade and cultural performances along with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet, foreign diplomats and a host of other dignitaries.
It was the sixth time that a French leader was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
“A great honor for France. Thank you, India,” President Macron posted “X” in a caption to a video of the French band and military contingents marching down in front of some 70,000 spectators.
Macron also greeted Prime Minister Modi and the people of India on the occasion of Republic Day.
“My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, my warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let's celebrate!” he said.
In another post on 'X', Macron said it was both an honor and a sign of friendship to be invited to India on this occasion.
“I come to celebrate and consolidate our exceptional partnership. First step: bringing our youth together. We have so much to do together!” he said in French.
Macron held extensive talks with Prime Minister Modi in Jaipur on Thursday.
A 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France also took part in the parade.
Two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French Air Force will also join the festivities.
Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. Last year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended this occasion.
There was no chief guest on Republic Day in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(With PTI inputs)