Emmanuel Macron will make a two-day visit with much fanfare. Palaces, a parade and 21 cannon shots: The President is expected to arrive in India this Thursday for a pomp-filled and symbolic tour of the strategic partnership developed with New Delhi.
The state chief is the guest of honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, two years after independence. The Hindu nationalist leader, himself the guest of honor for the July 14 military parade in Paris, returns the favor. He first invited Joe Biden, who ultimately did not follow up, according to the Indian press.
Beginning of visit to “Land of Kings”.
“This trip will make it possible to consolidate and deepen Franco-Indian diplomatic and economic relations and strengthen ties between civil societies,” welcomed the French President. Emmanuel Macron will receive the honor following the presidents of Egypt (2023), Brazil (2020) and South Africa (2019). His four predecessors were also entitled to it.
Before the President leaves for New Delhi at 3 pm this Thursday, the state capital of Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings” is famous for its maharajas and palaces. Before meeting the Prime Minister, he will meet artists and interact with young Indians in the attractive surroundings of Amber Fort.
Thomas Pesket from Voyage
On the programme, Narendra Modi arranged a car parade for them through Jaipur, followed by a one-on-one dinner at a former royal residence converted into a palace. Symbolizing bilateral cooperation in space, from satellites to manned flights, the two leaders, along with astronaut Thomas Pesquet, will also visit an astronomical observatory established in the 18th century by the Jesuits.
On Friday morning, they will take part in a large military parade in New Delhi to the sound of 21 cannon shots together. Emmanuel Macron will be the first to join the tribune of honor aboard a cab. A contingent of 150 soldiers as well as two Rafale fighters and a French tanker plane will also be in the mix among Indian tank regiments and camel cavalry.
A challenge to the military industry
Beyond the fanfare, the international crisis will be at the center of the debate. India, a longtime ally of Russia, its main arms supplier, refuses to condemn its aggression in Ukraine. France, for its part, hopes to increase cooperation in the military industry with India – which has bought 36 Rafales and is in talks to acquire 26 others – and will sell it six EPR nuclear reactors.
The President will be accompanied by Ministers of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, Rachida Dati of Culture, Stéphane Sjourne of Foreign Affairs and around fifteen business leaders, including the CEOs of EDF, Dassault Aviation, Naval Group and Cape Gemini.
