New Delhi

In a first, French soldiers will march down the Rajpath on Republic Day along with Indian troops in the presence of President Francois Hollande who is the chief guest for this year’s celebrations.

Government sources said that a contingent of French soldiers would be participating in the Republic Day celebrations.

This is a the first time when a foreign army would be marching down the Rajpath along with Indian troops as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

Incidentally, a French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade is already in the country to take part in a joint exercise which began in Rajasthan today.

Some soldiers will also fly down from France to form a proper marching contingent, the sources said.

The French soldiers are taking part in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise called ‘Shakti 2016’.

The 35th Infantry Regiment’s origin dates back to its raising in 1604 at Lorraine, France.

The regiment has as many as 12 battle honours to its credit. The battalion has varied combat experiences, having served in Algeria, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan, amongst other places.

PTI