For the first time in the history of Republic Day parade, a foreign contingent comprising 130 French soldiers will march down the Rajpath along with the Indian troops in presence of France’s President Francoise Hollande who will be the chief guest this year.

NEW DELHI: For the first time in the history of Republic Day parade, a foreign contingent comprising 130 French soldiers will march down the Rajpath along with the Indian troops in presence of France’s President Francoise Hollande who will be the chief guest this year.A French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade is taking part in a joint counter-terrorism exercise called ‘Shakti 2016’ with the Indian soldiers which began in Rajasthan on Friday. The other French troops will arrive in the country by January 16.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.