Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a roadshow in Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. During the visit, PM Modi presented Macron with a replica of Ayodhya's Ram temple, and the leaders enjoyed masala chai from a local teashop. They later held bilateral talks. Macron, the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations, explored landmarks like the Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal.
What PM Modi and Macron Did in Jaipur
Macron explored Jaipur's cultural richness by visiting the Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal, concluding the tour at an iconic palace-turned-hotel.
In the evening, the leaders took an open-top vehicle ride through the heart of the city, starting from the historic Jantar Mantar. Standing in the vehicle, they interacted with people along the route.
The roadshow paused at Hawa Mahal, where PM Modi and Macron admired the illuminated five-storey building with its distinctive 'jharokhas.' The leaders engaged in cultural appreciation and exchanged views in the breezy backdrop of this architectural marvel.
PM Modi and Macron visited a local handicrafts shop, where Modi, who recently led the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya's new Ram Mandir, purchased a small replica of the temple as a gift for Macron. The digital transaction, done through UPI.
During the roadshow, a local tea vendor, "Sahu chaiwala," provided masala tea to the leaders, accepting a symbolic ₹2 payment digitally. The day's events continued up to Sanganeri Gate, with the leaders heading to Rambagh Palace for dinner and further discussions.
The leaders continued the roadshow up to Sanganeri Gate before heading to Rambagh Palace for dinner and bilateral talks. The visit was PM Modi's first trip to Jaipur after the recent assembly polls and the swearing-in of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
Earlier in the day, Macron received a red carpet welcome at Amber Palace, engaging with children and exploring artifacts. The fort, once the seat of Kachhwa Rajputs, added a touch of grandeur to the visit.
Cutouts and hoardings adorned various locations in Jaipur, setting the stage for the anticipated visit of PM Modi and Macron. Earlier, the French delegation, led by Macron, was welcomed at Jaipur airport by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. PM Modi, arriving from Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, met Macron at Jantar Mantar for a tour of the observatory.
