On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented French President Emmanuel Macron with a replica of the recently-inaugurated Ram Mandir during Macron’s two-day visit to India. Macron, invited as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, commenced his visit in Rajasthan.
Upon Macron’s arrival in Jaipur, he was welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The French President’s itinerary included a visit to Amber Fort, where he engaged with local artists and students. Subsequently, Macron met with PM Modi at Jantar Mantar, and both leaders conducted a roadshow from there to the iconic Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
During their visit to Hawa Mahal, PM Modi took the opportunity to explain the UPI payment system to Macron. UPI is a comprehensive system that consolidates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, facilitating seamless fund routing, merchant payments, and various banking features.
#WATCH | Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a replica of Ram Mandir to French President Emmanuel Macron, in Jaipur. pic.twitter.com/l9K91lOOt8
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024
The discussions between the two leaders are expected to enhance bilateral cooperation across several domains, including the digital sector, defense, trade, clean energy, youth exchanges, and the simplification of visa norms for Indian students. Key topics for discussion also include India’s proposed procurement of 26 Rafale-M (marine version) fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines, as well as the geopolitical situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Accompanying President Macron is a ministerial delegation comprising Stephane Sejourne (Europe and Foreign Affairs), Sebastien Lecornu (Armed Forces), and Rachida Dati (Culture), along with a business delegation and notable personalities, including ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
This marks the sixth occasion where a French leader has been the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. Before Macron, former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac and former Presidents Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande have also graced the event in 1976, 1980, 1998, 2008, and 2016, respectively.
Notably, PM Modi was the guest of honor at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July the previous year. The visit of President Macron aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between France and India, building on the ambitious renewal initiated by the two leaders through the ‘Horizon 2047 Roadmap’ in Paris on July 14.
Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Lalla idol in the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marking a historic moment for the country. This event signifies the culmination of a 500-year-old struggle to realize the construction of the Ram Temple. The achievement was met with nationwide celebrations reminiscent of Diwali.
Across the country, thousands of temples, government buildings, railway stations, institutions, and shops were adorned with decorations to commemorate this auspicious occasion. Ayodhya itself was illuminated with fireworks and a captivating light and sound show in the evening, adding to the festive atmosphere. Several ghats throughout the country were adorned with special lights to extend a warm welcome to Lord Ram.
In various cities, religious processions and community langars (free communal kitchens) were organized, underscoring the significance of the day. The entire nation was immersed in a joyous and celebratory mood on the day of the Ram Mandir’s inauguration. The completion of this iconic temple holds profound cultural and religious importance, and the festivities reflected the collective joy and enthusiasm of the people across India.
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