French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, making him the sixth French leader to attend the event. This decision comes after US President Joe Biden declined the invitation, reportedly citing reasons related to the State of the Union address, his re-election bid, and Washington's focus on the Hamas-Israel conflict. India's ties with France have significantly strengthened in recent years, with French President Francois Hollande attending the celebrations in 2016 and PM Narendra Modi being the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day parade in Paris earlier this year.

French ties with India have extended into various domains, with France responding to India's tender for the purchase of 26 Rafale (marine) jets, and cooperation in the maritime domain hitting new heights, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region. Macron's visit as the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day signifies the significance of the strategic partnership between the two countries, with both nations celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. During Macron's recent visit to India for the G20 Summit, both leaders reiterated the strength of France-India relations, showcasing the deepening cooperation in areas like defense, security, space, and energy.

While the Quad Summit was previously scheduled to take place around Republic Day, India has announced the rescheduling of the event due to scheduling issues with the member states, including the US, Australia, and Japan. This move highlights the close diplomatic ties between India and its allies, making way for revised dates for the Quad Summit later in the year. With Macron's upcoming visit as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations, India and France are expected to further cement their strategic partnership, as they continue to collaborate on regional and global issues.