French President Emmanuel Macron is the honoured guest in Rajasthan’s capital as he arrived in Jaipur for a two-day state visit to India. He is experiencing the famed hospitality of the state and getting a first hand experience of Rajasthan’s forts, palaces, arts and crafts.
President Macaron was received by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. Macron, the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, has toured the historical Amber Fort, is participating in Indo-French cultural projects, and holding a road show in the pink city with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Flanked by EAM Dr Jaishankan and Rajasthan’s deputy chief minister Diya Kumari, French president visited the historic Amber Fort.
“Bienvenue en Inde! President @EmmanuelMacron of France warmly welcomed by Governor @KalrajMishra of Rajasthan, EAM @DrSJaishankar & CM @BhajanlalBjp of Rajasthan as he arrived in the historic city of Jaipur. President Macron is the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations,” MEA posted on X.
Macron toured Amber Fort and interacted with artisans, stakeholders in Indo-French cultural projects, as well as students. Later in the evening, he will be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will visit a few landmarks of the Pink City together, including Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, according to an official statement. This will be followed by a bilateral meeting at Taj Rambagh Palace between PM Modi and the French president. Bilateral talks focus on digital collaboration, defense, trade, clean energy, and global affairs.
The pink city has been decked up with posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Macron. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to the French president to be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations. His visit caps the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
On January 26, President Macron will attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest. French armed forces contingent is participating in the Republic Day parade and flypast alongside Indian troops and aviators.
“He will attend the At Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and, later, the State Banquet, at the invitation of the Hon’ble President of India, H.E. Smt Droupadi Murmu,” the statement stated.
Macon is being accompanied by a ministerial delegation comprising Stephane Sejourne (Europe and Foreign Affairs), Sebastien Lecornu (Armed Forces), and Rachida Dati (culture); a C-level business delegation of French majors, SMEs and mid-caps; and other eminent personalities. Macron’s state visit marks France’s sixth participation, the highest of any other nation, as chief guest on India’s Republic Day.
President Macron’s visit aims to consolidate the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership that the two leaders decided on in Paris on July 14 through the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap.”
Macron’s visit marks the culmination of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the strategic partnership between India and France. The visit is anticipated to bring forth significant announcements in defense and strategic sectors. The talks between PM Modi and President Macron will focus on boosting bilateral cooperation across various domains. Key agenda items include digital collaboration, defense ties, trade, clean energy, and facilitating Indian student visas.
