New Delhi’s new French connection is Prime Minister Villepin

As conservationist and art historian, Aman Nath put it, ‘‘I am extremely happy that a man like Villepin has become the prime minister. He loves India which is a good thing for our country.’’

Nath remembers him as a man who was a complete India-wallah. Calling him a ‘‘contemporary man with an extremely positive outlook,’’ he added, ‘‘I am pleased that Villepin now holds the top job.’’

Nath recalled the Villepin couple’s inimitable hospitality. ‘‘Like the stereotypical French, they loved to eat well and drink well. Their parties were always thoughtfully organised with interesting people and, most importantly, interesting conversation. To my mind, Villepin typifies the cliched Frenchman—dapper, elegant and intelligent.’’

To Indophile French hotelier Francis Wacziarg ‘‘what strikes me most about Dominique is his very modest approach, he’s not the kind to carry a chip on his shoulder. Which is why I am delighted at the news of his becoming PM. This appointment will do good for Indo-French relations. I think I will post him a letter congratulating him.’’

Wacziarg, who runs the The Neemrana Music Foundation, added,‘‘As a young diplomat, he was simply mulling over the change. His father Xavier whom I knew asked me to speak to Dominique. I met him in Paris and we spoke for over an hour. Through our conversation I remember telling him of the good life in India. I almost feel instrumental in getting him to come here.’’

Others like Dalip Mehta, member secretary, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) who had known Villepin in Delhi, recalled, ‘‘I had been to the get-togethers at his residence in Vasant Vihar. He was quite unlike the usual diplomats. One could connect with him and his wife Marie Laure at a very human level. He knew a lot of people in Delhi, served the best French food, and came across as particularly intelligent and knowledgeable.’’

Conservationist O P Jain said, ‘‘Villepin was very good. He was very culturally oriented and loved India dearly. Certain cultural activities he started here later went on to become benchmarks. Given his association with India, it may bring the two countries closer.’’

A Chirac loyalist, Villipen is known to be an an eloquent speaker. He has been Interior minister for the past year but made his mark as Foreign minister, voicing his opposition to the Iraq war.