French President Emmanuel Macron has received an invitation as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2024, reaffirming the close ties between New Delhi and Paris. Sources indicate a strong bond between Macron and PM Modi, emphasizing the likelihood of Macron being the guest of honor. Over the years, France and India have fostered a strategic partnership, with France serving as a key ally for New Delhi in areas like space, human rights, and defense systems. The last instance of a French President attending the Republic Day Parade was in 2016 during Francois Hollande's term.