French President Macron’s Visit Marks Milestone in India-France Relations
French President's Arrival on Republic Day Culminates 25 Years of Strategic Partnership
Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in India today, responding to a last-minute invitation from Prime Minister Modi to serve as the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations. Macron’s visit will commence in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, where he will join PM Modi for a joint tour of heritage sites and participate in a roadshow in the vibrant pink city. This unexpected invite is seen as a testament to the robust bilateral relations between India and France.This visit even marks the culmination of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
President Macron’s itinerary in Jaipur includes visits to cultural and historical landmarks such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. He will receive a warm cultural welcome at Amber Fort and witness a local artifacts exhibition. Subsequently, a road show, “Shobha Yatra,” will take place, culminating near Hawa Mahal, where both leaders are expected to engage in photo opportunities and conduct transactions through UPI.
The visit is anticipated to boost diplomatic ties and strengthen economic cooperation between India and France. The ongoing talks for a comprehensive trade agreement between India and the European Union are expected to receive a fillip during Macron’s visit, according to the economic think tank GTRI. France is a key member of the EU, and its support is crucial for advancing these negotiations.
President Macron’s visit will also emphasize France’s commitment to creating more opportunities for Indian students, artists, investors, and tourists. Special initiatives supporting student mobility, with a goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, will be a focus.
Furthermore, the visit aims to consolidate the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership through the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap.” This roadmap outlines common goals for the next 25 years, focusing on three pillars – strategic autonomy, defense sector coopera2+tion, and technological collaboration.
The deepening Indo-French ties are highlighted by Macron’s sixth participation as the chief guest in India’s Republic Day celebrations, showcasing the mutual trust and unwavering friendship between the two nations. This reciprocal invitation follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Paris on Bastille Day in July 2023.
On Republic Day, President Macron will attend the parade in Delhi as the chief guest, followed by engagements such as the At Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a State Banquet hosted by the President of India. The visit is poised to strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and France, encompassing cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions.
