WEB DESK: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Emmanuel Macron as the guest of honor for India’s Republic Day celebrations along with talks on potential deals and arms deals.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day visit that includes a red carpet welcome ceremony, talks on potential trade and defense deals and India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Macron’s first stop was the city of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan, where he was greeted by a red carpet and a parade of decorated elephants.

Other welcome plans include a military parade around with assembled lines of tanks, dance groups, camel cavalry and a fly-by of fighter jets.

Later, Macron will attend a state dinner where he will be met by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaipur was decorated with posters of Macron and Modi. During his stay in Jaipur, Macron is expected to visit several cultural and historical sites, Indian news website Mint reported.

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Macron will be the guest of honor at the 75th Republic Day in New Delhi on Friday, which celebrates the anniversary of the country’s constitution. Modi was the guest of honor at France’s annual Bastille Day celebrations last July.

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Macron’s trip to India comes amid strong prospects for further talks on multibillion-dollar deals for France’s “Rafale” fighter jets and

France is India’s second largest arms supplier and has been one of India’s closest partners in Europe for decades.

The French presidency said the trip would “consolidate and deepen diplomatic and economic relations”.

India’s foreign ministry said Paris and New Delhi are “strategic partners”.

Ahead of the visit, the French Presidency said India is a “key partner that contributes to international peace and security”.

Experts in India say Macron’s trip is also likely to boost ongoing talks on a trade deal between India and the European Union.