Chandigarh Becomes a Fortress Ahead of President Hollande’s Visit

French President Francois Hollande kick starts his India visit from Chandigarh today.

PM Narendra Modi with French PM Francois Hollande. (Photo: AP)

French President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Chandigarh on Sunday, January 24, to kick-start the former’s three-day visit to India. Hollande is the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as well.

Amid heightened security, especially in the wake of a threat letter received by the French consulate in Bengaluru, City Beautiful has been converted into a virtual fortress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and French President Francois Hollande attend a joint news conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, April 10, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

Hollande, who will be formally received by Modi at the Rock Garden at 3 pm, will be the chief guest at the Indo-French CEOs Forum at 4 pm and India France Business Summit at 4.45 pm.

Here’s the French President’s Chandigarh itinerary in a jiffy:

1 pm: Lands at Chandigarh airport

2.30 pm: Visits Capitol Complex, Rock Garden and Government Museum and Art Gallery

6.30 pm: Takes off from Chandigarh to Delhi

(With inputs from Tribune)