French President Emmanuel Macron Interacts with Students at Amber Fort in Jaipur
French President Emmanuel Macron engaged with enthusiastic Indian students during his two-day state visit to India. The interaction took place at the iconic Amber Fort in Jaipur, where Macron was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. The visit to the fort allowed Macron to admire its unique architecture and gain insight into its rich history. The French President also took the opportunity to appreciate the Rajasthani paintings and interact with local artists at the Amber Palace Fort.
This visit holds significant importance for Indian students and alumni as France has recently announced new initiatives to enhance academic excellence, cultural understanding, and long-lasting friendship between the two nations. Macron declared France’s goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, recognizing the positive impact of enlarging its Indian student population on academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding.
The establishment of International Classes in France aims to facilitate Indian students’ transition into the French educational system by providing specialized programs that offer extensive training in the French language and other academic areas. Additionally, a five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni was announced, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
Macron’s visit to India coincides with the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, where he will be the Chief Guest. The French President’s arrival was met with a warm welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jantar Mantar, a renowned solar observatory in Jaipur. Both leaders explored the observatory, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest stone observatory and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
This state visit by Macron marks France’s record-breaking sixth participation as the Chief Guest on India’s Republic Day celebrations, underscoring the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Paris on France’s Bastille Day in July 2023.
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership, a French armed forces contingent will participate in the Republic Day parade alongside Indian troops and aviators. Macron’s visit not only reinforces the strategic partnership but also signifies the deep cultural and diplomatic ties shared between India and France.
Accompanying Macron are a ministerial delegation comprising representatives from Europe and Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces, and Culture, as well as prominent personalities, including ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet. The visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic and economic relations while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in various fields.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s interaction with Indian students at Amber Fort in Jaipur showcases the commitment of both nations towards academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and enduring friendship. It serves as a testament to the shared vision of India and France in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering a more prosperous and interconnected future.
Note: This article is based on factual information and official statements.
