Modi and Macron hold a roadshow in Jaipur; India-France collaboration is advancing innovation and technology across defense, space, and sustainability
Our Bureau
New Delhi/Washington, DC
Call this India’s moment. All big global powers want to be friendly with New Delhi.
As India celebrates its 75th Republic Day, the United States extended wishes to India, calling the country a key strategic partner of the US. “I would just note that – would wish a happy Indian Republic Day to anybody tuning in. India is a country – it is a key strategic partner of the United States and one that we look forward to closening our collaboration in a number of key areas on. And this is – was quite indicative in – during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit here to the United States this past summer,” the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press briefing on Thursday (US local time).
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, also congratulated India on its 75th Republic Day. “Warmest congratulations on the #RepublicDay, India! Wishing our Indian friend’s prosperity, well-being and very bright #AmritKaal! Long live #Bharat! Long live Rusi-Bharatiya Dosti!” the Russian Ambassador wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a mega roadshow in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Thursday. The French leader is in India on a two-day state visit at the invitation of PM Modi. People in large numbers welcomed PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during their roadshow in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Macron waved at the people who gathered there, acknowledging the warm welcome.
As PM Modi and French President Macron held the mega road show, a floral shower for the leaders also took place. Following the roadshow, PM Modi and French President visited Hawa Mahal. Hawa Mahal, also known as “Palace of Breeze”, was built in 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace of Jaipur.
Prior to the road show, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Jantar Mantar in Pink City, Jaipur. Prime Minister Modi was pictured extending him a warm welcome at Jantar Mantar. The two leaders warmly greeted each other and posed for the cameras. They then headed to see Jantar Mantar. Jantar Mantar is a famous solar observatory established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2010.
Earlier, Macron arrived at Amber Fort in Rajasthan’s Jaipur. He also met school students who gathered there to welcome him.
India-France collaboration is advancing innovation and technology across defense, space, and sustainability, Thales India Chief, Ashish Saraf said as French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India on Thursday as the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day.
In an interview, Ashish Saraf, vice president and country director for India, Thales Group, said India and France enjoy a robust bilateral relationship rooted in shared values and aspirations. Thales takes pride in its enduring partnership with India, spanning over seven decades and contributing significantly to growth, he said.
The Indian market, particularly in defense, aviation, digital identity, and security solutions, provides ample opportunities for Thales. President Macron’s presence as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration underscores the deep ties between the two nations, highlighting the strong connection among governments, businesses, and people.
Saraf, who leads all of Thales’s business activities in India as well as Thales’s partnerships, including joint ventures and engineering competence centres, said collaboration between India and France spans key areas such as defense, space, cybersecurity, aviation, and topics related to renewables and sustainability.
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Macron promises extensive bilateral collaboration, marked by agreements fostering technological advancements.
Thales stated that it takes pride in delivering to India cutting-edge technologies and innovations, contributing to the mutual growth of both nations.
Saraf said Thales thrives in India’s market, spearheading growth in defense, aviation, and security solutions. With a robust presence in India, Thales operates successfully in defense, aviation, digital identity, and security solutions, employing over 2000 professionals, including 1500 engineers.
Emphasizing local partnerships, Thales collaborates with 75 suppliers, delivering cutting-edge technologies to India. Celebrating seven decades of participation in India’s growth story, recent milestones include the inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore and the launch of an Avionics MRO center in Delhi, NCR.
