New Delhi: French President Francois Hollande is likely to be the chief guest at the 67th Republic Day ceremony on 26 January next year.
The decision on invitation to Hollande might have been finalised during the talks between French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Delhi on November 20.
US President Barack Obama was the chief guest at 2015 Republic Day celebrations.
The visit of Hollande will hold significance as France is reeling under the worst terrorist attacks after Islamic State terrorists killed 129 people in co-ordinated attacks in Paris on last Friday.
This will send a message of solidarity that India and France stay united against terror.
Fabius, who held talks with senior ministers including Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, had said that France and India were on the "same boat" in fighting terrorism and will cooperate with each other in dealing with the "major" challenge facing the world.
"I want to say that France is grateful for tremendous support it has received from the international community including Indian friends. The attackers will not go unpunished and our response is and will be strong," Fabius said while ruling out any possibility of negotiations with terror groups.
The visiting minister, here to hold deliberations with India on the preparations ahead of the crucial Paris climate summit, said fighting against international terrorism and combating climate change are the two major challenges of the 21st century.
