French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India as Republic Day chief guest comes on the heels of expanded bilateral cooperation between New Delhi and Paris. Macron landed in Jaipur city at 2:30 pm (IST) on Jan 25. The French embassy released a statement announcing that French President Macron and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding talks in Jaipur. The agenda includes defense cooperation, collaboration in the vast Indo-Pacific region, and responses to challenges like terrorism, climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty eradication, strengthening business ties, and cross-investments.
Pitstops of The French President and PM Modi
During the French President Macron’s tour, who is the main guest at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi on January 26, PM Modi alongwith him stopped at Hawa Mahal, the observatory at Jantar Mantar, and Amber Palace.
After meeting Macron at an observatory dating back to the 18th century in Jaipur, the two stood in an open jeep for over 1.5 kilometers. The two leaders came down close to Hawa Mahal to look through some neighborhood stores. The two sampled masala chai from Sahu chaiwala, a local vendor who had set up a temporary stall for the event, in addition to a handicraft shop.
Today’s appearance by President Macron at the 75th Republic Day celebrations is probably the last of his two-day visit. “His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration,” Modi said for President Macron.
President Macron and PM Modi paying the sellers with UPI was the most noteworthy aspect of the exchange. The Prime Minister took some time to explain to President Macron the workings of the digital UPI payment system. France and India last year signed an agreement that allowed French retailers to accept UPI payments as their digital payment method. President Macron also received a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir from PM Modi. During his visit to the Amber Fort, the French President also spared some time to admire the artistry and craftsmanship of Rajasthan.
The French President Macron is also going with three ministers: the minister of culture Rachida Dati; the minister of Europe and foreign affairs Stéphane Sejourne; and the minister of the armed forces Sébastien Lecornu.
