In the end, Nicolas Sarkozy was photographed at the Taj all alone. So, was there a plan at all for Carla Bruni to be here with the French President? Many feel there was. The French preparatory team insisted on Sarkozy visiting the Taj despite the Indian protocol and security teams feeling he would not be able to make it back in time for the President’s At Home (the French VIP was, in fact, late by 25 minutes).The Prime Minister was kept waiting and so was Sonia Gandhi. Then, Sarkozy decided to leave Delhi earlier than scheduled. He cancelled a private dinner at the Hotel Imperial, which again was something carefully marked out by his preparatory team. What was going on? All we know is that between engagements, Sarkozy was mostly on the phone, apparently speaking to Bruni. But as in all ways Gallic, as a diplomat pointed out, wives and partners of French presidents often keep their programmes to themselves till the last.
