French president begins visit to India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron began his visit Thursday to India in the northwestern state of Rajasthan.

“It is a matter of great pride that he will be taking part in our Republic Day celebrations tomorrow, 26th January, in Delhi,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. “His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration.”

Macron will participate in the 75th Republic Day celebrations where he will be chief guest.

Macron arrived in Jaipur and attended several programs with Modi, including a roadshow.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said Macron kickstarted his visit with a tour of Amber Fort and was warmly received by Modi at the iconic Jantar Mantar -- an 18th century “astronomical marvel.”

Jaiswal said productive discussions were held between Modi and Macron in Jaipur. “The two leaders took stock of bilateral ties and exchanged perspectives on a wide-range of bilateral and global issues,” he said,

“As strategic partners, India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues,” the Foreign Ministry said last month.

Modi was the guest of honor in 2023 at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day in New Delhi. The Defense Ministry said the celebration “is set to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity and progress; its military prowess on the back of increasing indigenous capabilities, and the growing Nari Shakti(women power).”