Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday held wide-ranging talks to further consolidate India-France strategic cooperation, especially in areas of defence, security, trade and clean energy, after the French leader was accorded a red-carpet welcome in Jaipur (Pics/AFP)
Updated On: 2024-01-26 10:28 AM IST
Compiled by : ronak mastakar
The talks took place at a 19th century palace after Modi and Macron held a roadshow from the astronomical observation site of Jantar Mantar to iconic Hawa Mahal in the Pink City
Macron will be the chief guest at Friday's Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard in the heart of the national capital. Prime Minister Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last
"Welcome to India, my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. I am happy that President Macron begins his India visit from Jaipur in Rajasthan, a land with rich culture, heritage and talented people," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'
"It is a matter of great pride that he will be taking part in our Republic Day celebrations tomorrow, 26th January, in Delhi. His presence not only strengthens the ties between our nations but also adds a significant chapter to our shared history of friendship and collaboration," he said
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the Modi-Macron talks as "productive" and that they exchanged views on a wide-range of bilateral and global issues
"Taking India-France Strategic Partnership to greater heights!" Jaiswal posted on 'X'
"Productive discussions held between PM @narendramodi and President @EmmanuelMacron of France in Jaipur. The two leaders took stock of bilateral ties & exchanged perspectives on a wide-range of bilateral and global issues," he said
PM Modi also hosted a banquet for Macron and the members of his delegation at the hotel
It is understood that the talks between the two leaders at Taj Rambagh Palace largely focused on boosting cooperation in defence, trade, space, cyber domain, besides ways to bolster engagement in the Indo-Pacific