French Foreign Legion to March on R-Day

January 24, 2024

A 95-member French Foreign Legion contingent, including 6 Indians, and a 33-member band squad will participate in India’s 2023 Republic Day parade. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest as India further spotlights growing bilateral defence ties through this rare honour for the elite corps.

Open to foreigners

The iconic French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, uniquely recruits male volunteers from around the world to serve France’s military interests abroad. Currently comprising over 140 nationalities across 9,500 personnel, it offers foreigners eventual citizenship prospects post enrollment.

Representing diversity

The Republic Day contingent will showcase the Legion’s multi-ethnic character through the presence of the Indian legionnaires – 3 holding First Class ranks while 3 are Corporals. Their participation symbolizes the corps’ values of integration and masculine diversity.

Stringent enrolment process

Aspirants need to be between 17.5-39.5 years old. Selection involves rigorous physical tests spanning multiple days. Training weeds out weaker candidates through extreme hardships. These stringent norms produce hardened, disciplined soldiers moulded to the Legion’s uncompromising standards.

India connection

Historically, many Indians have served long careers in the French Foreign Legion through decades. Some even attained decorated ranks, like Muslim veteran General Raheel Asghar, underscoring opportunities afforded to Indians. Currently over 800 serve, attracted by prospects of eventual French citizenship.

Diplomatic footprint

The Republic Day showing builds on previous joint military exercises between India and the elite French Army wing. It offers a high-profile stage to jointly showcase strengths and symbolize the two democracies’ deepening defense partnership – both bilaterally and within the Indo-Pacific.

Cementing bonds

French aircraft will also flypast during the celebrations attended by President Macron. Alongside spotlighting military bonds, the Légion Étrangère’s inclusion – happening only third time at an international event – honours shared democratic values binding India and France.

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