Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, is on a one-day visit to Delhi to lay&nbsp;the groundwork for President Macron's much-anticipated visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024.

Bonne's strategic discussions with India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, served as a prelude to the French President's visit, emphasising the meticulous planning and coordination involved. The purpose of the discussions was not only to prepare for the upcoming Republic Day event, but also to bolster the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.&nbsp;Several important elements of the bilateral relationship were discussed during Doval-Bonne meet, which included futuristic technologies, global commons of cyber, maritime and space.&nbsp;He also meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;

France holds a unique distinction, being the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976 the invitation was extended to French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac. Since then&nbsp;other French leaders, including Presidents Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande have graced&nbsp;the momentous occasion.

Beyond the symbolic significance of President Macron's attendance, 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership. This milestone was commemorated earlier in the last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, and a comprehensive roadmap for the next quarter-century of collaboration was unveiled. The roadmap spans diverse initiatives, from joint projects enhancing India's submarine fleet to French support in constructing the "Shakti Engine" and concerted efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Bonne's visit is a testament to the robust diplomatic ties that have flourished between India and France. The shared commitment to global issues, including India's bid for a reformed United Nations Security Council and support for listing Pakistani terrorists at the UN, reflects a deep understanding and alignment of interests between the two nations.

Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, is on a one-day visit to Delhi to lay the groundwork for President Macron's much-anticipated visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024.

Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, is on a one-day visit to Delhi to lay the groundwork for President Macron's much-anticipated visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024. Bonne's strategic discussions with India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, served as a prelude to the French President's visit, emphasising the meticulous planning and coordination involved. The purpose of the discussions was not only to prepare for the upcoming Republic Day event, but also to bolster the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. Several important elements of the bilateral relationship were discussed during Doval-Bonne meet, which included futuristic technologies, global commons of cyber, maritime and space. He also meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. France holds a unique distinction, being the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976 the invitation was extended to French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac. Since then other French leaders, including Presidents Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande have graced the momentous occasion. Beyond the symbolic significance of President Macron's attendance, 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership. This milestone was commemorated earlier in the last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France, and a comprehensive roadmap for the next quarter-century of collaboration was unveiled. The roadmap spans diverse initiatives, from joint projects enhancing India's submarine fleet to French support in constructing the "Shakti Engine" and concerted efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Bonne's visit is a testament to the robust diplomatic ties that have flourished between India and France. The shared commitment to global issues, including India's bid for a reformed United Nations Security Council and support for listing Pakistani terrorists at the UN, reflects a deep understanding and alignment of interests between the two nations.

Macron's advisor Bonne's visit sets stage for French president's Republic Day presence in India 

Republic Day 2023:&nbsp;India is in high spirits as it is approaching its 74th year of being a Republic. Every year India showcases its prowess to the world at the Rajpath (now changed to Kartavya Path) but this year will be extra special as all the equipment including ammunition showcased will represent India's indigenisation power. Republic Day marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's official transition to being a republic on 26 January 1950.

Every year, in the capital city of New Delhi, armed forces personnel march along the sprawling lawns of Kartavya Path in an elaborate display to showcase India's military might and cultural pageantry.&nbsp;

The parade starts from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) and marches past India Gate onto the historic Red Fort. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Kartavya Path, which is performed as a tribute to India, its diversity and its rich cultural heritage by the states of India by building tableaus.&nbsp;

The Central government has put 32,000 tickets on sale online for the masses, said defence ministry officials on 19 January. They said that all official invites for the ceremonial event will be sent online for the first time, according to the news agency PTI. This year India will see many firsts at Kartavya Path in Delhi, here are a few of those many firsts:

1. The 74th Republic Day celebrations will take place on the revamped Central Vista avenue this year.

2.&nbsp;A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will march in India's Republic Day parade on January 26. The Egyptian military contingent will have 144 personnel participating in the parade.

3. The vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that traditionally fires the thundering ceremonial 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations will be replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year, as the government makes a further push for its Make in India initiative.

4.&nbsp;Another feature of this year's Republic Day is a team of "Daredevils" Motor Cycle Riders from the Corps of Signals co-led by a woman officer who will be part of the parade.

5.&nbsp;For the first time, women will form part of the BSF Camel Contingent.

6.&nbsp;Indigenously produced Prachand, a multi-role, light attack helicopter will also be part of the Indian Air Force flypast.

7.&nbsp;Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like 'Bheem' and 'Vajrang' will be showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time.

8.&nbsp;A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will march in India's Republic Day parade on 26 January. The Egyptian military contingent will have 144 personnel participating in the parade.

&nbsp;

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Republic Day 2023: India is in high spirits as it is approaching its 74th year of being a Republic. Every year India showcases its prowess to the world at the Rajpath (now changed to Kartavya Path) but this year will be extra special as all the equipment including ammunition showcased will represent India's indigenisation power.

Republic Day 2023: India is in high spirits as it is approaching its 74th year of being a Republic. Every year India showcases its prowess to the world at the Rajpath (now changed to Kartavya Path) but this year will be extra special as all the equipment including ammunition showcased will represent India's indigenisation power. Republic Day marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's official transition to being a republic on 26 January 1950. Every year, in the capital city of New Delhi, armed forces personnel march along the sprawling lawns of Kartavya Path in an elaborate display to showcase India's military might and cultural pageantry. The parade starts from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) and marches past India Gate onto the historic Red Fort. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Kartavya Path, which is performed as a tribute to India, its diversity and its rich cultural heritage by the states of India by building tableaus. The Central government has put 32,000 tickets on sale online for the masses, said defence ministry officials on 19 January. They said that all official invites for the ceremonial event will be sent online for the first time, according to the news agency PTI. This year India will see many firsts at Kartavya Path in Delhi, here are a few of those many firsts: 1. The 74th Republic Day celebrations will take place on the revamped Central Vista avenue this year. 2. A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will march in India's Republic Day parade on January 26. The Egyptian military contingent will have 144 personnel participating in the parade. 3. The vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that traditionally fires the thundering ceremonial 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations will be replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year, as the government makes a further push for its Make in India initiative. 4. Another feature of this year's Republic Day is a team of "Daredevils" Motor Cycle Riders from the Corps of Signals co-led by a woman officer who will be part of the parade. 5. For the first time, women will form part of the BSF Camel Contingent. 6. Indigenously produced Prachand, a multi-role, light attack helicopter will also be part of the Indian Air Force flypast. 7. Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like 'Bheem' and 'Vajrang' will be showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time. 8. A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will march in India's Republic Day parade on 26 January. The Egyptian military contingent will have 144 personnel participating in the parade.

Republic Day 2023: This year's R'day parade will witness many firsts at Kartavya Path; take a look inside

India celebrates Republic Day annually on January 26 to mark the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.

India celebrates Republic Day annually on January 26 to mark the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The Republic Day celebrations are held in the nation's capital, New Delhi before the President of India as ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath. The vibrant parades showcase India's defence capability, cultural and social heritage in the form of tableaux. But ever wondered, how the tableaux are selected? What's the process? The Indian Defence Ministry is responsible for the Republic Day parade and the celebrations and every year around September, it invites all the States, the Union Territories, Central Government departments to participate in the parade with their tableaux. The invitees have to submit their proposals by September 27 and the shortlisting of the proposals starts in October. The proposal should highlight elements relevant to their state/UT/ department. This year's theme is to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The theme is: India@75 – Freedom struggle, Ideas @ 75, Achievements @ 75, Actions @ 75 and Resolve @ 75. The government forms an expert committee to select the final names. First, they scrutinise the proposals and send suggestions if necessary. It needed they also carry out modifications. After that participants come up with three-dimensional models of their proposal, although, it doesn't mean selection. The final names are only announced after several rounds of meetings. This year's tableaux This year, officials have informed that tableaux of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be shown at the parade. The officials have also stated that tableaux of nine ministries and departments of the Central government will also be shown this year. Those nine tableaux would be Education and Skill Development, Civil Aviation, Communications and Posts, Home Affairs, Housing, Textiles, Law and Justice, Jal Shakti and Culture. Therefore, a total of 21 tableaux would be shown at this year's parade, they added. There were 56 proposals to show tableaux this year, as informed by the officials.

India Republic Day: Do you know how tableaux are selected?

26th January 1950, India became a full-fledged nation after implementing its Constitution. The celebrations on this day are primarily related to the show of the military might of India. The primary function is held at Rajpath in New Delhi where the President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of all forces, take the salute from the marching contingents. Considering that the show of military might is an integral part of Republic Day celebration, we have to ask the political establishment if it giving due emphasis to Indian forces?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since 1950, much water has been flown through the rivers of this country and India has become much more self-reliant in terms of defence production. Till a few decades back, we had the majority of military equipment bought or borrowed from other countries but this practise does not hold true anymore. Most of the equipment is either developed and manufactured in India or made in India as part of technology transfer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India is now making Tanks, artillery guns, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, high tech communication systems, satellites, advanced air defence systems, fighter and transport aircrafts, attack and utility helicopters, battle cruisers, aircraft carriers and submarines at its own. But it took a much longer journey which we should not have taken had we got a strong political will. Perhaps, we need to learn from Israel as to how they have prioritised the development of the military and we have not.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In last seven decades or so, we have understood that the most important thing required for a country to become a superpower is the political will of its leadership which saw major ups and downs in our country. During this time, the emphasis of our rulers should have laid on India&rsquo;s military and economic development.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As the first prime minister of India, Mr Nehru lay primary emphasis on developing relationships with other countries and, hence, the military was not given due importance. The humiliation of 1962 war still haunts us where our soldiers were left on the icy heights of Himalaya with no equipment, clothing or even the ammunition to fight the Chinese aggression. Our troops were not only defeated but were butchered by the advancing Chinese forces.

&nbsp;

After Nehru&#39;s death, the Congress era of just two years (1964-1966) saw three prime ministers and they were unable to take any major military decision. This era saw another war of 1965 where political leadership clearly failed to leverage the gains achieved by the military on the negotiation table.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Contrary to her predecessors, Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s gave some of the desired emphasis to the Defence Forces. The creation of RAW, India&rsquo;s Special Forces, Integrated Guided Missiles Program, India&rsquo;s Space Program, India&rsquo;s Nuclear Program and others got initiated during this time. However, due to the increased expenditures on welfare activities, the fund allocation for Defence was still very low.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Morarji Desai who was in power in the late 1970s, was also not fond of the military; he almost disbanded the intelligence agencies. anticipating that they are spying on him.&nbsp;

Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, once again, for a short duration from 1980 to 1984 but was unfortunately killed before she could take up any concrete step to boost up the country&rsquo;s Defence.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It was followed by Rajiv Era from 1984-1989 which was primarily aimed at economic development and IT revolution. We must mention that the highest ever defence budget of 3.9% was recorded in 1987 but due to corruption in defence deals, the Military could not be benefitted really. We are still carrying the legacy of Bofors even after 30 years.

&nbsp;

The prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004 came as a sigh of relief which saw many developments, including Pokhran II, Kargil war and Operation Parakram but the last one really showed us the mirror as to where do we stand in terms of our military might.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The government took some major decisions but before they could be executed, the government lost the elections and the second Congress era started under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The government tried to complete various projects initiated by Mr Vajpayee, however, since government tried to put more money into welfare schemes, the sufferer was military. The Defence budget saw a continuous decline from 2.9% in 2010 to 2.6% in 2014. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Under the current government of Prime Minister Modi, things are progressing but it is assumed that it will take another 6-7 years to do the damage control of the past. We are moving faster than previous years but still it requires lot many efforts. What is needed most is that Indians must come out of the mentality of a developing nation and understand the meaning of being a world superpower. We indeed are. We have the will, we have the potential, we have the talent. Only the correct and effective utilisation of resources and a right mindset is needed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India celebrates its Republic Day with a display of its military might but the country's political establishment have not taken due care of its military.

26th January 1950, India became a full-fledged nation after implementing its Constitution. The celebrations on this day are primarily related to the show of the military might of India. The primary function is held at Rajpath in New Delhi where the President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of all forces, take the salute from the marching contingents. Considering that the show of military might is an integral part of Republic Day celebration, we have to ask the political establishment if it giving due emphasis to Indian forces? Since 1950, much water has been flown through the rivers of this country and India has become much more self-reliant in terms of defence production. Till a few decades back, we had the majority of military equipment bought or borrowed from other countries but this practise does not hold true anymore. Most of the equipment is either developed and manufactured in India or made in India as part of technology transfer. India is now making Tanks, artillery guns, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, high tech communication systems, satellites, advanced air defence systems, fighter and transport aircrafts, attack and utility helicopters, battle cruisers, aircraft carriers and submarines at its own. But it took a much longer journey which we should not have taken had we got a strong political will. Perhaps, we need to learn from Israel as to how they have prioritised the development of the military and we have not. In last seven decades or so, we have understood that the most important thing required for a country to become a superpower is the political will of its leadership which saw major ups and downs in our country. During this time, the emphasis of our rulers should have laid on India’s military and economic development. As the first prime minister of India, Mr Nehru lay primary emphasis on developing relationships with other countries and, hence, the military was not given due importance. The humiliation of 1962 war still haunts us where our soldiers were left on the icy heights of Himalaya with no equipment, clothing or even the ammunition to fight the Chinese aggression. Our troops were not only defeated but were butchered by the advancing Chinese forces. After Nehru's death, the Congress era of just two years (1964-1966) saw three prime ministers and they were unable to take any major military decision. This era saw another war of 1965 where political leadership clearly failed to leverage the gains achieved by the military on the negotiation table. Contrary to her predecessors, Indira Gandhi’s gave some of the desired emphasis to the Defence Forces. The creation of RAW, India’s Special Forces, Integrated Guided Missiles Program, India’s Space Program, India’s Nuclear Program and others got initiated during this time. However, due to the increased expenditures on welfare activities, the fund allocation for Defence was still very low. Prime Minister Morarji Desai who was in power in the late 1970s, was also not fond of the military; he almost disbanded the intelligence agencies. anticipating that they are spying on him. Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, once again, for a short duration from 1980 to 1984 but was unfortunately killed before she could take up any concrete step to boost up the country’s Defence. It was followed by Rajiv Era from 1984-1989 which was primarily aimed at economic development and IT revolution. We must mention that the highest ever defence budget of 3.9% was recorded in 1987 but due to corruption in defence deals, the Military could not be benefitted really. We are still carrying the legacy of Bofors even after 30 years. The prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004 came as a sigh of relief which saw many developments, including Pokhran II, Kargil war and Operation Parakram but the last one really showed us the mirror as to where do we stand in terms of our military might. The government took some major decisions but before they could be executed, the government lost the elections and the second Congress era started under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The government tried to complete various projects initiated by Mr Vajpayee, however, since government tried to put more money into welfare schemes, the sufferer was military. The Defence budget saw a continuous decline from 2.9% in 2010 to 2.6% in 2014. Under the current government of Prime Minister Modi, things are progressing but it is assumed that it will take another 6-7 years to do the damage control of the past. We are moving faster than previous years but still it requires lot many efforts. What is needed most is that Indians must come out of the mentality of a developing nation and understand the meaning of being a world superpower. We indeed are. We have the will, we have the potential, we have the talent. Only the correct and effective utilisation of resources and a right mindset is needed. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is Republic Day really about India's military might?