India set to roll out the red carpet for French President Macron
New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron will receive a grand Rajputana welcome as he arrives in Jaipur on January 25 for a two-day visit to India. The visit aims to solidify the military-industrial partnership between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on local manufacturing. Macron will also serve as the Chief Guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations.
Details of the visit were discussed by Macron’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. While the finer aspects are still being finalized, the visit promises to be a lavish affair for the French President.
One highlight of the visit will be a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honor of Macron. The venue is yet to be decided, but it is expected to match the grandeur of the banquet Macron held for PM Modi at the Louvre in July. For the first time in 60 years, the iconic museum closed its doors to visitors during Bastille Day, a privilege last granted during Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Paris in 1953.
Sources reveal that potential venues for the Macron dinner include the City Palace, currently the residence of Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, which also houses a museum showcasing the history of Jaipur and Amber. Other possibilities include Rambagh Palace, Rajmahal Palace, Amber Palace, and Jalmahal Palace. Furthermore, there may be a roadshow with the Prime Minister following Macron’s arrival.
Beyond the extravagant festivities, India and France are expected to announce a military-industrial road map during the visit. France will support India in strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and capacities, focusing on indigenous production. This collaboration will create more job opportunities and machine tooling skills for Indian youth, while also facilitating local supply chains to access buyers in France and Europe.
The road map primarily addresses India’s military requirements for the next 25 years. It entails enhancing indigenous capabilities in the production of heavy aircraft engines, submarines, aircraft, and integrating operations in space, with full support from France. The partnership aims to build nuclear and non-nuclear military platforms in India, covering design, certification, and production. Given the growing military threat in the Indian Ocean region, India is exploring the possibility of manufacturing Barracuda class nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) domestically, in response to the expansion of the Chinese PLA Navy.
India and France’s close ties extend beyond defense. Both countries are committed to being key allies in the Indo-Pacific region, advocating for strategic autonomy and independent foreign policies. India has already placed orders for 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, as well as three additional Scorpene class submarines to be manufactured in Mumbai.
As Macron’s visit coincides with India’s Republic Day celebrations, the two nations will commemorate their shared values of democracy and liberty. The visit strengthens diplomatic and economic ties, underlining the commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership that extends beyond military cooperation.
In conclusion, President Macron’s visit to India symbolizes the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between India and France. Through enhanced military-industrial cooperation, the two nations will strengthen their strategic ties, foster technological development, and create employment opportunities. The visit also underscores India’s emergence as a key player on the global stage and highlights France’s willingness to support India in its pursuit of national security and economic growth.
