French President Sarkozy visits Taj Mahal without Bruni

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Saturday visited the epitome of love, the Taj Mahal, but his new lady love, Carla Bruni, did not accompany him.

Agra, Jan 26 : French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Saturday visited the epitome of love, the Taj Mahal, but his new lady love, Carla Bruni, did not accompany him.

After intense speculation, ultimately Italian-born supermodel turned singer Bruni gave a miss to her visit to the monument of love.

Bruni has been making headlines around the world for her relationship with Sarkozy, which started late last year.

Sarkozy travelled to the 17th century monument after being the chief guest for the 59th Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

Sarkozy will now return to Delhi to attend President Pratibha Patil's 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The French President arrived in India on Friday on a two-day official visit to further enhance trade and business ties between the two countries.

On Friday, Sarkozy met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and held talks on a wide range of issues covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders had also signed a few bilateral agreements.

Sarkozy also met President Patil and held discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L. K. Advani and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

On January 25, France and India decided to give a new impetus to their cooperation for the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as an expression of their strategic partnership.

The joint statement issued on Friday said that India and France look forward to the finalisation of India-specific safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA) and the adjustment of international civil nuclear cooperation framework.

President Sarkozy, who is accompanied by a high level ministerial and business delegation, will leave for Paris this evening.

ANI