Welcoming Bruni still India's grey area

With barely four days left before French President Nicolas Sarkozy lands in the capital as the chief guest for the Republic Day, the Indian establishment is still clueless on how to welcome the president's partner, Carla Bruni.

The reason: till date, the French government has not communicated with South Block if it wants first lady status for Bruni.

Foreign ministry officials have made it clear that they have no problem in according the 'first lady status' to Bruni, who has been accompanying Sarkozy in his recent tours. However, there was a rider from the Foreign office "" France has to clearly say what status they would like to see for Bruni.

Top sources in the ministry told Business Standard today they were still waiting for the French response. "We don't even know whether she will come at all. However, we are keeping ourselves ready even if they inform us at the last moment," said an official.

Sarkozy's official international tours with Bruni have evoked mixed response. While they were welcomed in Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia had requested the French president's office not to bring Bruni while visiting the Islamic country.

Meanwhile, Bruni has expressed her desire to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal during her visit to India.