Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his warm welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron, who is commencing his India visit in the culturally rich city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. In an X post, the prime minister said: "Welcome to India, my friend President Emmanuel Macron. 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 celebrations tomorrow, 26th January, in Delhi. His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration".
PM Modi Holds Talks With President Macron:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in extensive talks on Thursday at a 19th-century palace, highlighting Jaipur's royal heritage, to further solidify bilateral strategic engagement, news agency PTI reported.
The discussions followed a red-carpet welcome for the French president in the Pink City, followed by a joint roadshow from the astronomical observation site of Jantar Mantar to the iconic Hawa Mahal, as per the report.
Macron also explored the grand Amber Fort situated on the Aravalli range on the outskirts of Jaipur.
The French president is set to be the chief guest at Friday's Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard in the heart of the national capital.
Modi had previously been the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July.
Before their talks at the Taj Rambagh Palace hotel, officials told PTI that the agenda focused on enhancing cooperation in defence and security, trade, climate change, nuclear energy, and the mobility of students and professionals.
As top negotiators from both sides aim to finalize two significant defence deals, involving India's procurement of 26 Rafale-M (marine version) fighter jets and three French-designed Scorpene submarines, the visit underscores the "deep mutual trust" and "unwavering friendship" in Indo-French ties.
A French readout stated, "President Macron's visit will 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,'" as reported by PTI.
The 'Horizon 2047 Roadmap' is a plan to substantially strengthen ties as the two countries celebrate the centenary of diplomatic relations.
Modi hosted a banquet for Macron and his delegation at the hotel, and on Friday, Macron will witness Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest.
A marching contingent and band contingent from France, along with two Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from the French air force, will participate in the parade.
Macron is also scheduled to attend the 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu, followed by a meeting with Murmu at 7.10 pm.