“French President Macron Joins Indian PM for Jaipur Roadshow, Visits Amer Fort”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by key aides, are set to convene for dinner at Jaipur’s renowned Rambagh Palace, followed by crucial discussions. President Macron, the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day, is expected to land in Jaipur this afternoon. The visit is marked by significant announcements, including a Defense Industrial Roadmap and a groundbreaking Defense Space Cooperation agreement between close allies India and France.

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President Macron, leading a 44-person delegation with influential ministers of defense, Sebastien Lecomu, and foreign affairs, Stephane Sejourne, alongside the emerging cultural figure Rachida Dati, is scheduled to arrive around 1:30 pm. The itinerary includes a visit to the historic Amer Fort, where PM Modi will accompany him on a roadshow passing through iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal and the Old City of the former Rajputana.

Bilateral talks and dinner at Rambagh Palace are on the agenda before PM Modi bids farewell to President Macron late Thursday evening. National Security Advisor Ajit Dobhal and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will provide support during these engagements. The Modi administration and the BJP State government are extending a grand welcome, symbolized by the red carpet laid out for the visiting dignitaries.

Discussions between the leaders are expected to cover a broad spectrum of topics, including regional security, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, religious extremism, terrorism, and the evolving Indo-Pacific region. France sees India as a crucial reference point for its Indo-Pacific strategy, factoring in the growing influence of the Chinese Navy. A joint statement is anticipated after the Republic Day Parade, outlining a defense industrial roadmap aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” initiative.

The roadmap envisions collaboration between French companies and Indian partners to design, manufacture, and certify defense platforms in India. While Indian supply chains gain access to the French market, the primary focus is on creating employment opportunities for skilled youth in India. Both nations have a strong history of collaboration in civilian space exploration, and the defense cooperation is poised to further strengthen their strategic alliance.

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India has initiated the acquisition process for 26 Rafale-Maritime multirole fighters for the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Additionally, Mazagon Dockyards Limited, with assistance from the Naval Group, will construct three cutting-edge diesel-electric submarines. Discussions are underway for the potential construction of at least two nuclear attack submarines in India with French assistance, reinforcing India’s commitment to deterrence. The collaboration extends to building submarines at MDL, Mumbai, and naval surface combatants at GRSE, Kolkata, for export to third nations.