6 Indians to be part of French marching squad on R-Day

Six Indian soldiers from the French Foreign Legion, an elite cadre consisting of foreign volunteers in the pay of France, will be a part of the 95-member French military contingent taking part in the 75th Republic Day parade, which will have French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, officials said on Tuesday.

- Rahul Singh

India's biggest ceremonial parade, which will be headlined by women in different roles, will also feature two of the 10 women army officers commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery for the first time last year, the officials said. The French Foreign Legion in an integrated fighting force that accounts for 9,000 soldiers from 140 countries, and six volunteers from India will take part in the parade on January 26, said Capain Louis who will lead French marching contingent. Two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 MRTT (multi-role tanker transport) of the French air force will also take part in the fly past.

"Our participation in the parade reflects the strong military partnership between India and France. It will enable us to further strengthen our military ties. The contingent, including six Indians and six Nepalis, is excited about the parade," he said. A 33-member band from France will also take part in the parade.

The Indians in the French marching squad are Sujan Pathak, Dipak Arya, Parbin Tandan, Gurvachan Singh, Aniket Ghartimagar and Vikas Djeassegar, the officials said, seeking anonymity.