Droupadi Murmu, French counterpart Macron reaffirm longstanding friendship between India and France

India's President Droupadi Murmu on Friday (Jan 26) affirmed that the ease of friendship and the strength of the partnership between New Delhi and Paris will "brighten our future journey".

"Today we stand together before the world. Two great republics, each with a distinct contribution to human progress. Independent in thought, responsible in policy and sensitive to the needs of the world... I am confident that the ease of our friendship and the strength of our partnership will brighten our future journey," said the president.

"There can be no better symbol of the depth of our friendship and the strength of our partnership than 14 July 2023 and 26 January," she added.

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"This is a historic and memorable moment in many ways. It would rarely have happened that the leaders of two countries have been the chief guests at each other's national functions consecutively... On this day, two years after gaining independence, India implemented the world's largest handwritten constitution," India's president said.

'Extremely honoured to be part of an important day,' Macron

Reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Macron said "Long live the friendship between France and India."

"It is with the most pleasure that we are here and to come back five years after our former state visit and five months after the success of your G20. We were extremely honoured to be part of such an important and unique day and to have our soldiers being alongside with you and being part of this exceptional moment. I think this is for everybody here in this delegation, in ourmemories forever," said Macron.

"Clearly, we don't seem to be able to stay apart...This is probably due to the very special relation we have together. And the fact that between India and France there is something very special because we do share a lot of similarities," the French President added.

President Droupadi Murmu met her French counterpart Macron at Rashtrapati Bhawan earlier today.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and other dignitaries were also present there.

Macron also visited the revered Nizamuddin Dargah and immersed himself in the magic of the Qawali session there. The President interacted with Syed Kalim Nizami, Sufi masters, descendents and trustees and discussed the history of the place.

Macron addresses French community

Macron also addressed the French community at the Resident of Francein the national capital, as per the Embassy of France in India.

The significant visit by the French president culminates the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Strategic Partnership between India and France.

After PM Modi's visit to France on its National Day in July last year, the visit by Macron is seen as a unique reciprocal exchange.

The Indian prime minister, during his visit, was honoured with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, which is considered the most prestigious recognition in France.

Both leaders have engaged in extensive high-profile discussions throughout 2023, highlighting the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship.

The French president was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma upon his arrival at the Jaipur International Airporton Thursday (Jan 25).

PM Modi hails India-France ties

PM Modi took to his official social media and hailed ties between India and France. He said that it was a matter of great pride that French President Emmanuel Macron will be taking part in the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Friday (Jan 26).

He further expressed happiness that the French leader commenced his visit to India from Jaipur, which is a city known for its rich culture and heritage.

"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," he wrote 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 added.

The two leaders visited Rajasthan's Jaipur on Wednesday upon Macron's arrival in India.

They held a mega roadshow on the streets of the pink city and were welcomed by citizens in large numbers.

The crowd also showered flower petals on PM Modi and French President Macron.

Following the roadshow, the Indian prime minister and the French president visited Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of Breeze', which was built in the year 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace of Jaipur.

After this, the two interacted over a cup of tea at a local shop and the French President made the payment through UPI.

PM Modi then explained the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments system to the French President.

"Connecting over tea & UPI! PM @narendramodidemonstrated the simplicity & swiftness of 's UPI payment system to President @EmmanuelMacron by purchasing cups of tea and an Indian handicraft using UPI. Digital cooperation is an important pillar of - partnership," the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal on X.

The two leaders, earlier in the day, also visited Jantar Mantar which was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2010.

"Visited Jantar Mantar in Jaipur with President @EmmanuelMacron. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to India's rich heritage in astronomy. It also symbolises the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, a shared value that both India and France appreciate," he wrote on X, highlighting his visit to the World Heritage Site with the French leader.

(With inputs from agencies)