State Visit of HE Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of French Republic, to India (25 - 26 January 2024)

At the invitation of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the French Republic H. E. Emmanuel Macron paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. This was President Macron's second State Visit to India and the sixth visit by a French Leader as Guest of Honor for the Republic Day. His visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic attendance at France's National Day on 14 July 2023, during which the Horizon 2047 Roadmap was unveiled to chart an ambitious bilateral relationship through the centenary year of India’s independence.

2. Departing from convention, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, hosted a banquet for President Macron and an ‘At-Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Macron also visited Jaipur, where he engaged in cultural activities and bilateral discussions. During the meetings, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to the Horizon 2047 document and celebrated India’s successful G20 Presidency, particularly the inclusion of the African Union, while pledging support for Brazil’s upcoming presidency.

3. The leaders emphasized the need for reformed multilateralism, particularly within the UN and Multilateral Development Banks, and expressed concern over conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, advocating for peace and humanitarian principles. They highlighted progress in trilateral cooperation with Australia and the UAE, advancements in green technologies, and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. 

4. In education and cultural ties, the leaders announced enhanced scholarships, vocational training, and the declaration of 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. Sports cooperation was highlighted, with France offering expertise for India’s potential 2036 Olympic bid. To deepen people-to-people ties, India will open a Consulate General in Marseille, and France will establish a Bureau in Hyderabad. The visit underscored the enduring strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership and its vision for the future.