French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Jaipur on Thursday as part of his two-day official visit to India. Macron’s visit to the country is in his capacity as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations this year.
Macron’s busy schedule in Jaipur will commence with a visit to Amer Fort, where a cultural event has been organized in his honor.
Following this, he will proceed to Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will explore the area, which holds historical significance for the French, as it was here that two French Jesuit astronomers were invited to the court of Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, in 1734.
Jantar Mantar houses a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by Sawai Jai Singh.
From Jantar Mantar, PM Modi and Macron will embark on a joint roadshow to Sanganeri Gate, with a stopover at Hawa Mahal.
A photo opportunity has been planned at Hawa Mahal, and both leaders are expected to visit a handicraft shop and a tea shop during their visit. They will then proceed to the iconic Albert Hall Museum.
The day will conclude with a private dinner hosted by PM Modi at Rambagh Palace in honor of Macron. Following this, the French President will depart for Delhi to attend the Republic Day parade.
A briefing is scheduled for 5:15 pm on Thursday.
In preparation for Macron’s visit to the Pink City, senior officers of the Rajasthan Police and Jaipur administration conducted rehearsals on Wednesday.
DELHI VISIT
During his visit to Delhi, Macron will be attending the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path as the chief guest. This marks the sixth time a French leader, and fifth president, has been invited to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. Previous French leaders who have had this honor include President François Hollande in 2016, Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, Jacques Chirac in 1998, Valery Giscard d’Estaing in 1980, and Prime Minister Jacques Chirac in 1976.
Following the parade, Macron will have the opportunity to interact with the staff at the French Embassy. Later in the evening, he will attend the ‘At Home’ function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by an official banquet dinner.
Macron’s visit is a significant milestone as it concludes the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the strategic partnership between India and France. During this visit, both countries are expected to make important announcements in the defense and strategic sectors.
The invitation extended to Macron for the Republic Day celebrations reflects the growing ties between India and France, particularly in areas such as defense and security, clean energy, trade and investment, and new technologies. Macron will be accompanied by a delegation consisting of ministers, CEOs, and notable figures from the cultural and scientific sectors.
India and France have also expressed their commitment to collaborate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defense technologies, with the aim of benefiting third countries as well.
Last year, in July, Prime Minister Modi had the honor of being the guest of honor at the Bastille Day parade in Paris, which is the French National Day.