During the Gaekwadi era, the Laxmi Vilas Palace’s ornate durbar hall was the site of extravagant banquets and concerts for royals and state officials. On October 28, the palace will make history by hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for their first official meeting.
Modi and Sanchez will also enjoy lunch at the royal residence, with preparations currently underway. Samarjit Gaekwad, a member of the Gaekwad royal family, stated, “This is the first time two heads of government are being received at Laxmi Vilas Palace. PM Modi is also visiting the palace for the first time since taking office. We are ensuring a grand welcome for the dignitaries.”
The palace is being elaborately decorated for the occasion, and a detailed itinerary of Modi’s visit has been provided to the palace management. When asked about any specific culinary requests based on Modi’s vegetarian preferences, Gaekwad noted, “We haven’t received specific requests yet, but we offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes. The PMO’s team makes all the decisions.”
The Durbar Hall, known for its stunning Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained-glass windows, and elegant chandeliers, will serve as the backdrop for the discussions. Modi and Sanchez are expected to hold talks, sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and partake in a photo opportunity, enhancing the city and the palace’s global profile.
Government officials and security teams have been conducting daily reviews at the palace in preparation for the meeting. Civic authorities have re-carpeted the roads leading to the palace and planted trees along the compound wall.
On that same day, PM Modi is set to inaugurate the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd plant in the city, which is part of the Make in India initiative. This project, for which he laid the foundation stone two years ago, will manufacture transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force as part of a collaboration with Tata and Airbus.
