NEW DELHI/PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a two-day state visit to India on Thursday, as the two countries move to cement their defense and strategic ties.

Macron landed in Jaipur, capital of the northwestern state of Rajasthan. He is due to tour historical sites and participate in a roadshow before sitting down for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening. He would then head to New Delhi to attend India's 75th Republic Day celebrations on Friday as "chief guest."