India says no problems over French president's girlfriend: report
NEW DELHI (AFP) — India is ready to treat President Nicolas Sarkozy's ex-supermodel girlfriend Carla Bruni as France's first lady if she accompanies him on a state visit later this month, a report said Tuesday.
Sarkozy is due to arrive on January 24 in New Delhi where he will be chief guest at an annual Republic Day parade, and France has reportedly told India that he may bring along his new girlfriend.
"There will be no protocol problems from our side if she comes," an unnamed Indian foreign ministry official told The Times of India, playing down reports that officials in conservative New Delhi were irritated by the prospect.
"It is for the French to decide whether she should be treated as the 'first lady' or not. If they so desire, she will be part of the ceremonial reception and other official functions," the official told the daily.
The source added that "if the French tell us she is just a part of the official delegation, she will be treated as a simple delegate, without the privileges accorded to first ladies."
An official was also quoted as saying that Bruni "might peel off to visit Agra," which is home to the Taj Mahal, or to the desert state of Rajasthan "to avoid protocol hassles."
French diplomats said it was yet to be confirmed if Sarkozy, 52, would be accompanied to India by Bruni, who is 39.
The state visit is expected to be dominated by discussions on nuclear energy cooperation and defence contracts.
The French president and his second wife Cecilia announced their divorce last October after 11 years of marriage.
His new relationship with Bruni has drawn huge media attention. French media have reported that the couple plan to marry next month.
