Republic Day 2024 Chief Guest: President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tour Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
ROADSHOW TOUR
The head of state for this year’s Republic Day festivities, French President Emmanuel Macron, arrived in Jaipur today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accompany him on a roadshow and tour of a few historical places.
Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the Amer Fort, which was hosting a cultural event.
ROUTE FOR VISIT
Along on the visit to the UNESCO World Heritage landmark Jantar Mantar will be Prime Minister Modi. Next, the two leaders will travel together from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri gate, making a halt at Hawa Mahal along the route.
According to sources, they want to visit Hawa Mahal to enjoy the signature masala chai of Jaipur and possibly purchase handicrafts like the renowned inlay work and blue ceramics, which they will pay for using BHIM UPI. The dignitaries can peruse the handmade kiosks that have been positioned next to the Hawa Mahal.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Additionally, a private dinner at Rambagh Palace has been scheduled for Mr. Macron.
- The visit takes place while multi-billion dollar agreements for French fighter jets and submarines for the army are still being negotiated between the Center and the French government.
- It is anticipated that the three Scorpion submarines and India’s planned acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft will be discussed during the subsequent bilateral negotiations.
- France is one of India’s oldest and closest European allies, and it is the country that supplies the country with the second most weapons.
- President Macron had accepted the last minute invite for the Republic Day celebration, which has been read as a mark on the strength of the bilateral relations between the two nations.
- New Delhi had dialled Paris when US President Joe Biden conveyed that he cannot come.
- PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day celebrations in July last year.
