New Delhi: On 67th Republic Day, for the first time, a contingent of French 35th Infantry Regiment – elements of which had served in India in 1781-84 – was given the honour of leading the marching contingents and it performed with panache.
According to a Zeenews.com report, the French troops fought along with Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan against the Britishers. Also, the French were defeated when they attacked the Indian troops of the 24th Bengal Native Infantry and Madras Army on June 25, 1783.
Tipu Sultan’s cavalry later was named as Mysore Lancers and was further renamed as 61 Cavalry after India got Independence.
On this Republic Day, the 61 Cavalry marched right behind the troops of France. They were preceded by a band, including 48 musicians, led by Major Jean-Claude Leberruyer.