Republic Day chief guest French President Emmanuel Macron visited Amer Fort in Jaipur today. During this, he praised the historical importance and architecture of the fort. Macron also inspected some parts of the fort.
Jaipur, 25 January 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also soon reach Amer Fort to meet Macron. A bilateral meeting is likely to take place between the two leaders. The growing relations and cooperation between the two countries can be discussed in this meeting.
The main objective of Macron’s visit to India is to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. He will also meet the President of India Ramnath Kovind at the ceremony.
Macron’s visit to India is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries. Both countries are considering increasing cooperation in many areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest of India’s Republic Day celebrations, reached Jaipur today. He will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a tour of some heritage sites and a roadshow.
- Amer Fort Visit
At the start of his tour, Macron visited Amer Fort, where a cultural program was organised. He learned about the history and architecture of the palace.
- Jantar Mantar tour
PM Modi has reached Jaipur and will join him on the tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jantar Mantar. It is an astronomical observatory that was built in the 18th century.
- roadshow
After this, both the leaders will take part in a joint road show from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri Gate and will stop at Hawa Mahal. Hawa Mahal is a beautiful palace which was built in the 18th century.
- Payment for Handicraft Goods
Sources said they will get Jaipur’s special masala tea at Hawa Mahal and can pick up handicraft items like blue pottery and the famous jade work, for which they will pay through BHIM UPI. Handicraft kiosks have been set up near Hawa Mahal for visiting dignitaries.
- private dinner
A private dinner for Mr Macron has also been planned at the Rambagh Palace.
- bilateral talks
The visit comes at a time when the Center and the French government continue to negotiate billion-dollar deals for French fighter planes and submarines for the army.
It is expected that India’s proposed purchase of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpion submarines will also be discussed in the bilateral talks to be held later.
- Bilateral Relations
France is India’s second-largest arms supplier and has been one of its oldest and closest partners in Europe for decades.
President Macron accepted the last-minute invitation to the Republic Day celebrations, which has been read as a symbol of the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries.
When US President Joe Biden said he could not come, New Delhi called Paris.
PM Modi was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations in France in July last year.
