French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Jaipur today as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. With Macron’s visit, France becomes the country that has been invited six times, the most number of times, for Republic Day.
At Jaipur International Airport, he was welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Macron-Modi Roadshow in Jaipur
Emmanuel Macron started his tour in India by going to Amer Fort, where a cultural event was held featuring Rajasthan's folk heritage.
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PM Modi came to the observatory from Jaipur airport, and Macron joined after seeing Amber Fort. The two leaders met, hugged, and then began a roadshow from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri Gate. A lot of people welcomed PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during their roadshow. Following the roadshow, both leaders visited Hawa Mahal.
Jaipur is active with preparations for the high-profile visit. The Jaipur Municipal Corporation ensures cleanliness, proper lighting, cultural program arrangements, and more. The main roads and markets are getting spruced up, while Amber Fort and City Palace will be closed for visitors on January 25.
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With security measures in place, over 4,000 police personnel will be deployed in key areas, causing temporary traffic diversions and closures from 2 pm to 7 pm. Residents express concerns about traffic inconveniences due to road closures, highlighting the challenges faced during such VIP visits.
Macron is the fifth French president to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day, following François Hollande (2016), Nicolas Sarkozy (2008), Jacques Chirac (1998), Valery Giscard d'Estaing (1980), and Jacques Chirac as PM (1976).
