French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on January 25, a day ahead of his attendance at India’s Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. The visit is significant as Macron has been invited as the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day festivities, concluding the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
This isn’t Macron’s first visit to India; he previously undertook a state visit in March 2018 and an official visit in September 2023 for the Delhi G20 Summit. The French President has also hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France on four occasions.
Accompanying Macron on this visit is a ministerial delegation including Stephane Sejourne (Europe and Foreign Affairs), Sebastien Lecornu (Armed Forces), and Rachida Dati (Culture). Additionally, a business delegation comprising representatives from French majors, SMEs, mid-caps, and other distinguished personalities, including ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, is part of the entourage.
This state visit by Emmanuel Macron marks France’s sixth participation as the chief guest on India’s Republic Day, the highest among all nations. The visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Paris for France’s Bastille Day on July 14, 2023.
Here is Emmanuel Macron’s full schedule:
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 in Delhi (Venue: Air Force Station Palam)
Emmanuel Macron’s State Visit Marks France’s Sixth Occasion as the Chief Guest on India’s Republic Day, the Highest Participation Among All Nations.
