France, Jan. 25 -- French President Emmanuel Macron will preside over India's military Republic Day parade on Friday during a state visit that mark 25 years of strategic partnership between the two powers.

India rolled out the red carpet in the desert city of Jaipur where Macron landed on Thursday.

Joined by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron will attend events in the city beforedining at a 19-century forest lodge converted into an exotic palace. He'll then leave for Delhi ahead of Friday's military extravaganza.

India had earlier hoped that President Joe Biden would be the ceremony's guest of honour, butthe US leader was unavailable.Short notice

Macron's attendance is evidence of the "unconditional commitment" to the strateg...