President Macron's arrival in Jaipur marks the beginning of an eventful two-day state visit
In a momentous occasion on the eve of the 75th Republic Day of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the historical city of Jaipur, reflecting the growing ties between India and France. This visit commemorates the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

President Macron's arrival in Jaipur on January 25, 2024 marked the beginning of an eventful two-day state visit. The French President, on his third official visit to India, was accorded a warm by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. From the airport, he went straight to the iconic Amber Fort for a tour.

The visit took a historical turn with President Macron and PM Modi visiting Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory symbolizing the blend of scientific heritage and cultural depth in India. 

This was followed by a culturally rich city tour alongside PM Modi, starting with tea near the scenic Hawa Mahal.

The highlight of President Macron's visit was his participation in a roadshow with Prime Minister Modi, culminating in extensive discussions at the luxurious Taj Rambagh Palace. The meeting came amidst the anticipation of enhanced bilateral cooperation across various domains including digital technology, defence, trade, clean energy, and youth exchanges. 

Also high on the list of priorities are the strategic defence procurements by India, including 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy. 

On January 26, 2024, President Macron will grace the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi as the Chief Guest, a prestigious honor that highlights France's status as a key global ally of India. This marks France's sixth participation as the chief guest, the highest by any nation, at India's Republic Day celebrations. The parade will witness a 95-member French marching contingent, including six Indians from the French Foreign Legion, and a display of French military prowess with Rafale fighter jets and an Airbus A330.

This visit holds particular significance following PM Modi's visit to Paris on France's Bastille Day on July 14, 2023, symbolizing the reciprocal nature of this strategic partnership. The discussions are expected to cover a range of global and regional issues, including maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Red Sea situation, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

President Macron's visit will culminate with his attendance at the 'At Home' reception by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by a meeting at 7.10 pm. His departure from Delhi on the evening of January 26, 2024 will conclude a visit that is a hallmark of the robust and multifaceted India-France relationship.

This visit by the French President not only celebrates a monumental partnership but also paves the way for a future of aligned goals and mutual prosperity. The Indo-French collaboration continues to be a limelight of international cooperation and strategic partnership.