French President Emmanuel Macron is set
to arrive in Jaipur for an official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
during which both leaders are expected to engage in transactions using the
Unified Payments Interface or UPI at the iconic Hawa Mahal on Thursday. The
visit is part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Bharat-France
Strategic Partnership.
President Macron’s schedule includes a
cultural welcome at Amber Fort, an exhibition of local artefacts at Amber Fort’s
Diwan-i-Khas, and a visit to Jantar Mantar to explore ancient astronomical
prowess. The leaders will then embark on a road show called Shobha Yatra,
concluding near Hawa Mahal for photo sessions and shopping at local stores,
with transactions likely to be conducted through UPI.
Following the Shobha Yatra, President
Macron will be hosted for dinner by PM Modi at Rambagh Palace before departing
for Jaipur airport to fly to Delhi, where he will be the chief guest at the
Republic Day celebrations.
This visit holds significance as it
marks the culmination of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Bharat-France
Strategic Partnership. The pink city of Jaipur has been adorned with posters of
PM Modi and President Macron ahead of this diplomatic event.
President Macron’s visit includes
interactions with artisans, stakeholders in Indo-French cultural projects, and
students, along with a tour of landmarks in the Pink City. In-depth bilateral
talks between the two leaders are scheduled, followed by President Macron’s
participation in the Republic Day parade and related events in Delhi.
Macron’s Itinerary in Jaipur:
2:30 pm: Arrival at Jaipur airport
3:15 pm: Visit Amer Fort
5:30 pm: Visit Jantar Mantar
6:00 pm: Shobha Yatra (Venue: Jantar
Mantar)
6:15 pm: Visit Hawa Mahal
7:15 pm: Meeting with Prime Minister
(Venue: Hotel Taj Rambagh Palace)
8:50 pm: Emplane for Delhi
9:40 pm: Arrive Delhi (Venue: Air Force
Station Palam)
Macron’s State visit, which marks France’s
sixth participation as the chief guest on Bharat’s Republic Day, underscores
the strength of the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
