New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron toured historic sites in western India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his way to be Modi's chief guest at the country's National Day celebrations.
Modi received Macron at an 18th-century observatory in Jaipur and the two stood in an open jeep as they drove about 1.5 km. Macron waved to the crowds who lined the streets and greeted the leaders with a shower of rose petals and marigolds.
Large pieces of their photographs bearing the inscription “Indian-French Friendship” were scattered on the road. Macron also visited a 17th-century fort in the city, a popular tourist destination.
Folk dancers from the Sahariya tribe pose for a photo before the start of a road show for French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on Thursday.credit: AP
“His presence not only strengthens relations between our two countries, but also adds an important chapter to our shared history of friendship and cooperation,” Modi said on social media platform X.
Macron and Modi later held a meeting at a hotel in Jaipur before heading to New Delhi. There was no immediate official statement on the outcome of the meeting, but they are expected to discuss issues such as the economy, defence, space and cybersecurity, in addition to France's role in the Indo-Pacific region.
Women walk past a billboard showing French President Emmanuel Macron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur, Rajasthan.credit: AP
France looks forward to strengthening cooperation with India, despite the differences regarding the two countries’ positions towards the Russian war on Ukraine.
“Macron is committed to seeking closer dialogue with India, which is a major player on the international stage from a demographic, as well as economic, scientific and diplomatic point of view,” his office said in a statement.
France reaffirmed its commitment to the defense relationship with India, including technology exchange. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the two countries are working on defense projects for joint development and joint production.
