Emmanuel Macron will make a two-day visit with great fanfare. Palaces, a parade and 21 cannon shots: the president is expected in India this Thursday for a trip full of pomp and symbolism of the strategic partnership developed with New Delhi.
The head of state is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guest of honor at the celebration of the Indian Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, two years after independence. The Hindu nationalist leader, himself a guest of honor at the July 14 military parade in Paris, returns the favor. He initially invited Joe Biden, who, according to the Indian press, ultimately did not accept.
The start of a visit to the “Land of the Kings”
“This trip will make it possible to consolidate and deepen diplomatic and economic relations between France and India and to strengthen links between civil societies,” welcomes the French Presidency. Emmanuel Macron will receive this honor in the wake of Egyptian (2023), Brazilian (2020) and South African (2019) presidents. Four of his predecessors were also entitled to it.
The President is expected first this Thursday at 3 p.m. in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, the “land of kings” famous for its maharajahs and palaces, before heading to New Delhi. He will meet artists and interact with young Indians in the imposing setting of the Amber Fort before meeting the Prime Minister.
Thomas Pesquet from the trip
On the agenda, Narendra Modi has arranged for him to have a car parade through Jaipur, followed by a one-on-one dinner at a former royal residence-turned-palace. As a symbol of bilateral cooperation in the space field, from satellites to manned flights, the two heads of state, accompanied by astronaut Thomas Pesquet, will also visit an astronomical observatory built by Jesuits in the 18th century.
On Friday morning they will take part in the big military parade in New Delhi together under 21 cannon shots. Emmanuel Macron will first enter the VIP stand in a taxi. A contingent of 150 legionnaires as well as two Rafale fighters and a French tanker will also be in the spotlight, among Indian armored regiments and camel cavalry.
A challenge for the military industry
Beyond the pomp, international crises will be the focus of discussions. India, a long-time ally of Russia and still its main arms supplier, has refused to condemn its offensive in Ukraine. France, for its part, hopes to increase its military industrial cooperation with India – which has bought 36 Rafales and is in negotiations to acquire 26 more – and sell it six EPR nuclear reactors.
The President will be accompanied by the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, the Ministers of Culture Rachida Dati, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné and about fifteen business leaders, including the CEOs of EDF, Dassault Aviation, Naval Group and Cap Gemini.