<p> 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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Government sources said that a contingent of French soldiers would be participating in the Republic Day celebrations.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Some soldiers will also fly down from France to form a proper marching contingent, the sources said.<br /><br />The French soldiers are taking part in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise called 'Shakti 2016'.<br /><br />The 35th Infantry Regiment's origin dates back to its raising in 1604 at Lorraine, France.<br />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.</p>
<p> 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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Government sources said that a contingent of French soldiers would be participating in the Republic Day celebrations.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Some soldiers will also fly down from France to form a proper marching contingent, the sources said.<br /><br />The French soldiers are taking part in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint exercise called 'Shakti 2016'.<br /><br />The 35th Infantry Regiment's origin dates back to its raising in 1604 at Lorraine, France.<br />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.</p>