Jaipur: French President Emmanuel Macron reached Jaipur on Thursday as part of his two-day state visit to India. The French leader will also attend the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the chief guest. On arrival at Jaipur International Airport, he was welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
“Bienvenue en Inde! French President @EmmanuelMacron warmly welcomed by Rajasthan Governor @KalrajMishra, External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and Rajasthan Chief Minister @BhajanlalBJP upon his arrival in the historic city of Jaipur. President Macron is the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations . ,” the Ministry of External Affairs posted on
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited the President of France to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.
His visit is based on the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.
The Pink City has been decorated with posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Macron.
Macron will start his visit by visiting Amer Fort. Later, PM Modi will welcome him and the two leaders are scheduled to visit the Pink City together.
Macron will visit the Amber Fort and interact with artisans, stakeholders in Indo-French cultural projects as well as students. According to an official statement, he will then be welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will together visit some sites in the Pink City, including Jantar Mantar.
Later in the evening, he will visit Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, after which PM Modi and French President will hold a bilateral meeting at the Taj Rambagh Palace.
A contingent of French armed forces is participating in the Republic Day parade and flypast along with Indian soldiers and aviators.
Later on January 26, President Macron will attend the Republic Day Parade as the chief guest.
“At the invitation of Her Excellency Smt. Draupadi Murmu, Honorable President of India, he will attend an at home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan followed by a state banquet,” the statement said.
Macon is also accompanied by a ministerial delegation consisting of Stéphane Séjourn (Europe and Foreign Affairs), Sébastien Lecornu (Armed Forces), and Rachida Dati (Culture); C-level trade delegation of French large companies, SMEs and mid-caps; and other eminent personalities, including ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
Macron’s state visit is France’s sixth participation, more than any other country, as chief guest on India’s Republic Day.
President Macron’s visit will consolidate the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership, which the two leaders decided on on July 14 in Paris through the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap”. (ANI)
