French Prez Macron in Jaipur today, to take tour of heritage sites with PM Modi

Jaipur, Jan 25 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, are in Jaipur Thursday. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both took a tour of a few of heritage sites.

Welcome to India, my friend President @EmmanuelMacron.

I am happy that President Macron begins his India visit from Jaipur in Rajasthan, a land with rich culture, heritage and talented people. It is a matter of great pride that he will be taking part in our Republic Day… pic.twitter.com/Q7JGuZpJJP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2024

The leaders visited tourist places like Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. Sources said that Modi-Macron might also hold a roadshow in Jaipur. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Visited Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with President @EmmanuelMacron. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to India's rich heritage in astronomy. It also symbolises the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, a shared value that both India and France appreciate. pic.twitter.com/2d0Se6bg3h

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2024

On January 26, the President of France will attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest. He will be the sixth President from France to be the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade.

In March 2018 Macron was on a state visit to India. Apart from this, in September 2023 also the French President was in Delhi for the G20 Summit. This time during the bilateral meeting between Modi and Macron, apart from Israel-Hamas war, there can be discussions on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, defence partnership and EU trade deal between the two countries.

Since 1976, India has invited the President of France for Republic Day five times. Prime Minister Modi participated in the Bastille Day Parade of France as the chief guest on July 14, 2023. He was the second Indian Prime Minister to participate in this parade. Before Modi, Manmohan Singh had participated in the Bastille Day Parade.

Photo courtesy of X (@NarendraModi)