New Delhi: After an unsuccessful attempt to bring in US President Joe Biden, France is likely to be the chief guest for India's 2024 Republic Day, as an invitation has been extended to President Emmanuel Macron.

When Macron arrives in Delhi in January, it will be the sixth time that France will be the Republic Day chief guest, the most for any country. Additionally, it will also be the second time that the same country will be the chief guest after Narendra Modi took over as prime minister.

While Macron's state visit was officially announced on Friday evening, sources had already confirmed that an invitation has been extended to France. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) added in the announcement, "As Strategic Partners, India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues. This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership."

India had earlier extended the invitation for the Republic Day chief guest to US President Joe Biden, as confirmed by ambassador Eric Garcetti. The choice of the chief guest in 2024 holds significance, as India will hold general elections later that year. The US administration turned down the invitation.

Since India had not officially acknowledged the invitation and only publicly mentioned hosting a Quad summit around Republic Day, the MEA announced the postponement of the summit, but the meaning was clear.

Earlier this year, France had hosted Modi as the chief guest for Bastille Day, the second time for an Indian prime minister.

The first French chief guest was Jacques Chirac in 1976 and the last one was Francois Hollande in 2016.

Note: This article was updated after Macron's visit was confirmed by the MEA.

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