<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Jan 20) held a roadshow in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple where people warmly welcomed him and showered flower petals at his cavalcade.</p>

<p>He was in Rameswaram to perform darshan and pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi took part in a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu where scholars recited verses from the Kamba Ramayanam.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister also sought blessings from an elephant named 'Andal' in the temple premises.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: An elephant at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli blessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and played a mouth organ as PM visited the temple to offer prayers.<br />
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PM Narendra Modi is the first prime minister to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in… <a href="https://t.co/3YI22dO0UM">pic.twitter.com/3YI22dO0UM</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1748593547782357133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi on Saturday worshipped at the temple after taking a holy dip at the 'Agnitheerth' beach.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister also took a holy dip into the sea here. <a href="https://t.co/v7BCSxdnSk">pic.twitter.com/v7BCSxdnSk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1748675224806289713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hidden in the Rameswaram island of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, the Shiva temple holds a significant connection to the Ramayana, as the Shiva linga here was installed by Lord Ram. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">ஶ்ரீ ரங்கநாதசுவாமி கோவிலில் வழிபாடு செய்யும் பாக்கியம் கிடைத்தது. இந்த கோவிலுடனான பிரபு ஶ்ரீராமரின் தொடர்பு நெடியது. பிரபு ஸ்ரீ ராமர் வழிபட்ட கடவுளால் நானும் ஆசீர்வதிக்கப்பட்டதை பாக்கியமாக உணர்கிறேன். <a href="https://t.co/BCeQqDDpnf">pic.twitter.com/BCeQqDDpnf</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1748731682692518296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lord Ram and Sita Devi also prayed here.</p>

<p>PM Modi, who is the first prime minister to have paid a visit to Ranganathaswamy Temple, landed here by an Air Force chopper and was accorded a rousing reception by BJP workers and the local people.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">140 கோடி இந்தியர்களின் ஆரோக்கியம் மற்றும் நல்வாழ்வுக்காக அருள்மிகு ராமநாதசுவாமி கோயிலில் பிரார்த்தனை செய்தேன். <a href="https://t.co/iAzm7xooCu">pic.twitter.com/iAzm7xooCu</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1748731912200585355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi to visit Ram Setu's origin point in Tamil Nadu</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian prime minister, who is observing an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) ahead of the consecration ceremony is set to visit the Ram Setu's origin point at 9:30 am on Sunday morning (Jan 21).</p>

<p>He will perform a prayer at 10:15 am at Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple.</p>

<p>The temple, whose name stands for Rama with the bow, is s located in Dhanushkodi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-inauguration-govt-issues-advisory-to-media-social-media-platforms-against-posting-false-content-681876">Ram Temple inauguration: Govt warns media against disturbing communal harmony</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi had earlier, on Thursday, released commemorative postage stamps and a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ram Mandir Consecration: Stock market to remain shut on January 22&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple.</p>

<p>The 48-page book included stamps from the countries like USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations.</p>

<p>"The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Jan 20) held a roadshow in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple where people warmly welcomed him and showered flower petals at his cavalcade.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Jan 20) held a roadshow in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple where people warmly welcomed him and showered flower petals at his cavalcade. He was in Rameswaram to perform darshan and pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. Earlier in the day, PM Modi took part in a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu where scholars recited verses from the Kamba Ramayanam. The Indian prime minister also sought blessings from an elephant named 'Andal' in the temple premises. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: An elephant at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli blessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and played a mouth organ as PM visited the temple to offer prayers. PM Narendra Modi is the first prime minister to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in… pic.twitter.com/3YI22dO0UM — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2024 × PM Modi on Saturday worshipped at the temple after taking a holy dip at the 'Agnitheerth' beach. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister also took a holy dip into the sea here. pic.twitter.com/v7BCSxdnSk — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2024 × Hidden in the Rameswaram island of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, the Shiva temple holds a significant connection to the Ramayana, as the Shiva linga here was installed by Lord Ram. ஶ்ரீ ரங்கநாதசுவாமி கோவிலில் வழிபாடு செய்யும் பாக்கியம் கிடைத்தது. இந்த கோவிலுடனான பிரபு ஶ்ரீராமரின் தொடர்பு நெடியது. பிரபு ஸ்ரீ ராமர் வழிபட்ட கடவுளால் நானும் ஆசீர்வதிக்கப்பட்டதை பாக்கியமாக உணர்கிறேன். pic.twitter.com/BCeQqDDpnf — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024 × Lord Ram and Sita Devi also prayed here. PM Modi, who is the first prime minister to have paid a visit to Ranganathaswamy Temple, landed here by an Air Force chopper and was accorded a rousing reception by BJP workers and the local people. 140 கோடி இந்தியர்களின் ஆரோக்கியம் மற்றும் நல்வாழ்வுக்காக அருள்மிகு ராமநாதசுவாமி கோயிலில் பிரார்த்தனை செய்தேன். pic.twitter.com/iAzm7xooCu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024 × PM Modi to visit Ram Setu's origin point in Tamil Nadu The Indian prime minister, who is observing an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) ahead of the consecration ceremony is set to visit the Ram Setu's origin point at 9:30 am on Sunday morning (Jan 21). He will perform a prayer at 10:15 am at Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple. The temple, whose name stands for Rama with the bow, is s located in Dhanushkodi. Also read: Ram Temple inauguration: Govt warns media against disturbing communal harmony PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple PM Modi had earlier, on Thursday, released commemorative postage stamps and a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe. Watch | Ram Mandir Consecration: Stock market to remain shut on January 22 × The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple. The 48-page book included stamps from the countries like USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations. PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations. "The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said. The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day. (With inputs from agencies)

India: PM Modi holds dynamic roadshow in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram

Ayodhya is gearing up for the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir on January 22. PM Modi will preside over the temple opening and the 'pran patishtha' ceremony on January 22 in the temple town.

Ram Mandir Consecration: Stock market to remain shut on January 22

<p>Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-starlink-the-ambitious-global-internet-service-of-elon-musk-652569">Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk?</a></strong></p>

<p>Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval.</p>

<p>Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for&nbsp;SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink</strong></p>

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<p>Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India.</p>

<p>This will also place&nbsp;Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.</p>


Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.

Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries. Also read | Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk? Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market. What next? As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process. This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval. Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India. Also watch | Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink × Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. What does it mean? If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India. This will also place Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global. What is the bottom line? The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.

Elon Musk's Starlink knocks on India's door, likely to get approval by Jan 24

India's PM Modi visits Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Developmental projects inaugurated in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Boeing centre & Sukanya programme launched in Bengaluru. Watch to know more!

Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurates developmental projects

The recent revelations from a recent EY survey offers a closer look at how Gen AI, the next frontier in artificial intelligence, is reshaping the retail experience right here in India.

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India's $433 billion banking sector faces a gloomy outlook following an unusual sell-off in HDFC Bank Ltd., the country's largest private sector lender. The top 12 largest banks in India are on track for their worst week since September, witnessing a collective market value loss of nearly $21 billion.

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In a rapidly evolving world, the Indian healthcare sector is at a crucial juncture, poised for transformative changes. As we approach budget for India, the healthcare industry has outlined key areas for attention, presenting an opportunity to address critical gaps.

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#GravitasPlus | The city of Ayodhya is decked up for the consecration of the Ram Temple. Devotees are rushing to be a part of this historic moment. Airfares have surged, hotels are booked, helicopter services are in place and tent cities have been erected to accommodate visitors. Here’s all you need to know about the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya temple.

Gravitas Plus: All you need to know about the Ayodhya Ram temple

NATHEALTH-Healthcare Federation of India on Tuesday asked the government to increase budget allocation on health to 2.5 per cent of GDP while also calling for a restructuring of the healthcare GST framework.

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Ram Mandir Consecration: World's most expensive Ramayana epic book worth $1,885 reaches Ayodhya

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Ayodhya set for Ram mandir Consecration | Sand murals bring Ram Leela to life

Ayodhya is bracing itself for the big day on January 22. As India celebrates Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, let us revisit some of the best portrayals of Ram that were brought to screen. Did you know that both the 'RRR' actors Ram Charan and Junior NTR have played the role of Ram in their acting careers? That's not all... 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston also voiced the role of Ram in the famous Japanese animation, 'Ramayan: The Legend of Prince Ram'. Find out more in this episode of WION.

Revisiting Ramayan: Actors who brought Lord Ram to life on screen | WION E-Club

Most parts of North India have been reeling under chilling cold wave conditions along with dense fog lowering the visibility and disrupting rail and air traffic in the national capital.

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At least 16 people including schoolchildren died when a boat capsized in a lake in Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (January 18). The tragedy took place at Vadodara city's Harni Motnath Lake.

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Ayodhya is blazing with temple devotion as the city excitedly awaits the Pran Pratishtha on January 22. A tidal wave of devotion is sweeping throughout the country, with Ayodhya Dham making extraordinary preparations to welcome the thousands of Ram Bhakts.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Idol of Ram Lalla placed in Sanctum Sanctorum

In the lead-up to the consecration ceremony for the Ayodhya temple, Indians across the world are celebrating. The entire ceremony will be live-streamed in New York's Times Square. The country has also put up billboards and organised rallies. Other countries are also celebrating. Has the Ayodhya temple become a global phenomenon?

Gravitas: Ayodhya Ram Mandir becomes global phenomenon

PM Modi offering prayers at temples across India, leads life of an 'ascetic' for 11 days. PM Narendra Modi following rituals prescribed in scriptures. Watch to know more!

Ram Mandir Consecration: PM Modi leads life of an 'ascetic' for 11 days ahead of inauguration

India’s Ministry of Education has issued fresh guidelines for private coaching centres across the country. Will they work to curb the spate of student suicides? Priyanka Sharma explores.

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The startup ecosystem has been a success story of India. The vibrant ecosystem supports millions of jobs, and plays a big role in India's growth story. So, what do startups expect from the upcoming budget? We find out in this report.

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<p>A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards&nbsp;during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India. President Macron has been invited to be the chief guest on Republic Day on January 26, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close bilateral relations. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence has been a pivotal aspect of Indo-French relations. Following Prime Minister Modi's visit to France last year, a 25-year roadmap was unveiled. It highlighted key initiatives, such as joint exploration for Indian submarine fleet development, French assistance in constructing the "Shakti Engine," and collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-against-yemens-houthis-as-biden-says-attacks-to-continue-681349">US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue</a></p>

<p>French Rafale jets and a contingent from the French army are set to participate in this year's Republic Day at Kartavya Path. Important to recall, that India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris last year. During the parade, Indian Air Force's Rafale Jets, part of the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, featured in the flypast.</p>

<p>Additionally, a 269-member tri-services contingent from the Indian Armed Forces marched to the tune of "Sare Jahan Se Accha" at Champs-Élysées in Paris.</p>

<p>Macron's most recent bilateral visit occurred in March 2018, encompassing New Delhi, Agra, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. The visit resulted in the signing of fourteen inter-governmental agreements, including one facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the respective Armed Forces. He again visited India in September of last year, to attend the G20 summit.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-drought-causes-major-drop-in-panama-canal-traffic-which-could-cost-millions-of-dollars-681344">Severe drought causes major drop in Panama Canal traffic which could cost millions of dollars</a></p>

<p>Preceding Macron's visit, Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President visited India. He engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterparts, holding meetings with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.</p>

<p>France holds a unique distinction as the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebration.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-cost-of-us-multiple-wars-681334">Gravitas: The cost of US' multiple wars</a></strong></p>

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<p>Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016.</p>

<p>Earlier, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, revealed to the media that India had invited President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration. However, President Biden couldn't fulfil the request, and the American side did not offer a specific reason for his inability to accept the invitation. Consequently, due to the US President's unavailability to travel to Delhi, the scheduled Quad summit in the Indian capital had to be postponed.<br />
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A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India.

A likely roadshow in the Indian city of Jaipur with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key announcements on defence will be on the cards during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron next week to India. President Macron has been invited to be the chief guest on Republic Day on January 26, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close bilateral relations. Defence has been a pivotal aspect of Indo-French relations. Following Prime Minister Modi's visit to France last year, a 25-year roadmap was unveiled. It highlighted key initiatives, such as joint exploration for Indian submarine fleet development, French assistance in constructing the "Shakti Engine," and collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue French Rafale jets and a contingent from the French army are set to participate in this year's Republic Day at Kartavya Path. Important to recall, that India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in Paris last year. During the parade, Indian Air Force's Rafale Jets, part of the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, featured in the flypast. Additionally, a 269-member tri-services contingent from the Indian Armed Forces marched to the tune of "Sare Jahan Se Accha" at Champs-Élysées in Paris. Macron's most recent bilateral visit occurred in March 2018, encompassing New Delhi, Agra, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. The visit resulted in the signing of fourteen inter-governmental agreements, including one facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the respective Armed Forces. He again visited India in September of last year, to attend the G20 summit. Also Read | Severe drought causes major drop in Panama Canal traffic which could cost millions of dollars Preceding Macron's visit, Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President visited India. He engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterparts, holding meetings with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. France holds a unique distinction as the only country to have received the highest number of invitations to India's Republic Day parade. In 1976, French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebration. Watch | Gravitas: The cost of US' multiple wars × Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016. Earlier, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, revealed to the media that India had invited President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration. However, President Biden couldn't fulfil the request, and the American side did not offer a specific reason for his inability to accept the invitation. Consequently, due to the US President's unavailability to travel to Delhi, the scheduled Quad summit in the Indian capital had to be postponed.

Macron's India visit: Jaipur roadshow, defence announcements on cards

India's state-owned company, Khanij Bidesh India ltd or Kabil, has signed a $24 million lithium exploration pact in Argentina. Speaking to Wion's diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal, argentina's envoy Hugo Javier Gobbi welcomed the lithium deal.

India-Argentina cooperation on lithium

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