Always think about it, never talk about it. Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, on the occasion of the national holiday, Friday January 26, took place in the shadow of the farmers’ protest movement in France.
Barely arriving, the day before, the entourage of the Head of State had suggested that the trip could be shortened due to the crisis. It has not happened ; Emmanuel Macron continued, for thirty-six hours, the meetings organized on the occasion of Republic Day, of which he was the guest of honor. Friday evening, just before taking his plane, he took his time again to visit a place of Sufi worship, in this country where the Muslim minority is threatened, at a time when, in France, the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, was making first announcements to respond to the anger of farmers.
Most of the trip was intended to be entirely ceremonial, even if it meant appearing out of step with the climate of tensions prevailing in France. On the morning of Friday, Emmanuel Macron arrived by carriage to attend the military parade – in the presence of soldiers from the Foreign Legion, invited for the occasion. In the afternoon, in New Delhi, he appeared at the garden party organized in the immense gardens of the Indian presidency, to return there a little later for a quick state dinner.
The day before, in Jaipur, the President of the Republic spent the afternoon at Amber Fort, a tourist hotspot in the capital of Rajasthan. He then took part in a car parade, aboard a pick-up, alongside the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Gabriel Attal on the front line
Along the way, his host, campaigning for a third term, was cheered by his thousands of supporters gathered along the route. The two men and their entourages dined in a luxurious palace, far from the vicissitudes of French political life.
The Elysée claims to be working to strengthen the strategic partnership with India, in the fields of defense, space or nuclear power, subjects where nothing concrete has been announced. “Cooperation with India takes time and this type of visit serves to deepen exchanges”explains an advisor.
According to those close to him, Mr. Macron has continued to keep himself informed of the situation in France, and has remained, unsurprisingly, associated with the discussions undertaken to find a response that meets the demands of farmers. However, he sought to give the impression that he was leaving Gabriel Attal, who is facing his first crisis at the head of government, on the front line. When questioned, Emmanuel Macron refused to make the slightest comment, even unofficial. “It’s normal for you to ask.”he just indicated: “I will have the opportunity to speak later. Enjoy here! »