In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi gifted a replica of the Ram temple in Ayodhya to French President
Emmanuel Macron, who is in Bharat as the chief guest for Republic Day
celebrations. The exchange took place during Macron’s visit to Jaipur, where
the leaders engaged in a roadshow through the Pink City, exploring its
historical landmarks.
PM Modi, who had attended the
consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22, warmly welcomed Macron
in Jaipur. The leaders toured iconic sites, including the hilltop Amber Palace,
Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal. The visit concluded with Macron
being presented with a replica of Ayodhya’s Ram temple and enjoying masala chai
from a local teashop.
Later in the evening, the two leaders
participated in an open-top vehicle roadshow, starting from Jantar Mantar and
proceeding through the heart of the city. The route featured a glimpse of the
18th-century astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar, now a UNESCO heritage
site.
During the roadshow, the leaders
interacted with the public, standing in the vehicle and exchanging waves. PM
Modi’s visit to Jaipur marked his first after the recent BJP victory in the State
Assembly polls and the swearing-in of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
The evening continued with a stop at the
iconic Hawa Mahal, where Modi and Macron admired the illuminated five-storey
structure. PM Modi, having led the recent consecration ceremony at Ayodhya’s
Ram Mandir, purchased a small replica of the temple for Macron, paying ₹500
digitally.
The roadshow progressed to Sanganeri
Gate, followed by a journey to Rambagh Palace for dinner and bilateral talks.
Earlier in the day, the French delegation was received by External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, and CM Bhajanlal
Sharma at the Jaipur airport.
Before their meeting in Jaipur, Macron
had already visited Amber Palace. The French president engaged with children,
explored artifacts, and experienced a grand reception with caparisoned
elephants at the fort.
Cutouts and hoardings were strategically
placed around Jaipur, highlighting the anticipated locations of the leaders’
visit.
