French president Macron begins India visit, will arrive in Jaipur

French President Emmanuel Macron, set to be the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations, is scheduled to arrive in Jaipur on Thursday. The French embassy in Delhi stated that he will engage in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance bilateral cooperation and solidify new initiatives across various crucial domains.

Discussions will cover defence collaboration

The discussions will cover defense collaboration, forming partnerships in the extensive Indo-Pacific region, devising strategies to address challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and poverty eradication. The emphasis will also be on strengthening business relations and encouraging mutual investments, as mentioned in the announcement.

Currently, India is contemplating acquiring 26 Rafale M fighters from France for the navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, the 45,000-tonne INS Vikrant. Furthermore, India is in the initial planning phases for building three more Scorpene-class submarines, integrating French technology to enhance the undersea capabilities of the Indian Navy. The total estimated value of these two agreements is between €9 billion and €10 billion.

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Horizon 2047 Roadmap

President Macron’s visit aims to strengthen the ambitious revitalization of the strategic partnership between France and India. This renewal was initiated by the two leaders during their meeting in Paris on July 14, as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, according to the statement.

Twenty-five years since the initiation of their Strategic Partnership, France and India are now setting fresh shared objectives for the next quarter-century. The discussions between President Macron and Prime Minister Modi aim to progress collaboration and conclude new initiatives within the framework of the roadmap, focusing on its three fundamental pillars.

Accompanying Macron will be a ministerial delegation comprising Stéphane Sejourné, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Sébastien Lecornu, Defense Minister, and Rachida Dati, Culture Minister. Additionally, a high-profile business delegation consisting of representatives from major French companies, small and medium enterprises, and midcaps will be part of the entourage. Notable personalities, such as European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, will also be present during the visit.

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French president will be the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day

Macron will visit the Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. He will interact with artisans, participants in Indo-French cultural projects, and students.

On January 26 in Delhi, in addition to attending the parade, Macron will participate in an At Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Macron previously undertook a state visit to India in March 2018 and made an official visit in September 2023 for the G20 Summit.